By Jeffrey Steele, Contributing Writer, MHN Online
Manchester, Conn.—Two CREW CT Blue Ribbon Awards have been bestowed on Fuss & O’Neill Inc., a firm providing scientific, engineering, planning and design services, for its work at the Mill at Hop Brook development in Simsbury, Conn.
The environmentally friendly development featured the restoration of a 17th Century grist mill into an award-winning restaurant and 10,000 square feet of commercial space, along with development of 88 apartments, 20 privately owned luxury townhomes, a community center and central village green.
The timing of the development had much to do with the demand for additional rental properties in Connecticut’s Farmington Valley.
“The abandoned mill site with a scenic waterfall provided the perfect setting for that residential development,” Stephanie White, Fuss & O’Neill senior landscape architect, tells MHN. “In the end we were able to create a mixed-use community that combines townhomes and apartments with a beautiful restaurant that offers fine dining featuring local New England cuisine. And we were able to accomplish this on a unique and picturesque spot. Also, the increased desire for rental living within a walkable community made this project attractive. The site itself is located within a 10-minute walk from the downtown and regional bike trail.”
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