FAIRFIELD, CT — The Fairfield Town Plan and Zoning Commission this month got its first look at a proposed 250-unit residential complex on the Post Road, which would also hold a 110-room boutique hotel on its 6.6-acre site.
During a non-binding, pre-application discussion earlier this month, commissioners generally praised the architectural look of the development, which is being proposed by 441 Post Road, LLC on the property that currently houses the Circle Hotel next to the Circle Diner.
The proposal calls for a four-story structure, with a parking garage underneath the residential section that would not be visible from the Post Road. At least 30 residential units would be deemed affordable.
“We need hotel rooms, so thank you,” said commissioner Dan Ford. “When we get to the nitty-gritty, there may be some changes such as height and all that stuff, but I like the plan, I like the mixed use, I think it’s a good use for the space and could be a good addition.”
Commissioner Steven Levy agreed. “I’m very impressed with the proposal, and I think the architectural design is first-rate.”
The project, which incorporates a New England aesthetic, is designed by South Norwalk-based Beinfield Architecture PC, one of the premiere architectural firms in Fairfield County.
“I’m familiar with the Beinfield firm, they’ve always done top-notch work, and I’m glad to see them working in Fairfield,” Levy added.
In preliminary documents submitted to the commission, attorney Adam Blank, who represents the developers, wrote that the current hotel at the site is essentially on its last legs, despite renovations in recent years.
“Unfortunately, even with updates, the hotel remains tired,” Blank wrote. “It is functionally and economically obsolete, and its lack of amenities and budget-appeal no longer resonate with the Town or guests to Fairfield. As a result, the Applicant seeks to completely re-imagine the site as a true mixed-use property featuring a luxury New England Inn coupled with a similarly styled apartment complex, with the Circle Diner to remain. We believe this mixed-use concept would allow ownership to redevelop the site while providing many benefits to the Town. We believe it is a win-win proposition. Specifically, the proposal calls for the construction of a110 room, four-story hotel and, in a separate four-story structure, 250 units of apartments wrapping 473 spaces of structured parking, with the retention of the Circle Diner and 60 at-grade spaces. The site will thus be amply parked with a total of 533 spaces. The new structures will be situated close to the Post Road creating a vibrant street presence and shielding from view the bulk of the remaining at-grade parking spaces. The project has many benefits for the Town and is a ‘win-win’ compared to current conditions.”
Though a formal application has not yet been submitted, commissioners said that there could potentially be traffic or environmental concerns as it relates to the proposal, but they stopped short of going into specifics because the discussion was a preliminary one.
“The design is very attractive, but I think it’s too big,” said commissioner Kathy Braun, adding that she would like to see the proposed 50-foot buffer along Ash Creek in the back increased.
Other commissioners also suggested the developers should consider the possibility of increasing the number of affordable residential units.
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