The project began as a Connecticut-owned Brownfields site with environmental investigations and preparation of a Remedial Action Plan (RAP). We completed hazardous building materials abatement for selective building demolition. Soil remediation was done in accordance with the requirements of Connecticut’s cleanup regulations through the Brownfields Remediation and Revitalization Program. We performed a hazardous building materials survey on the 195,000 ft2 building, where asbestos, lead-based paint, and PCBs were identified. A large area of free phase petroleum product and widespread fill up to 20 feet thick presented environmental challenges for cleanup and redevelopment.
Fuss & O’Neill along with District New Haven, LLC, Kenneth Boroson Architects and STUDIOS Architecture, created a shared vision that
“celebrates the enhancement of the human experience.”
The reuse plan included mixed-use commercial/office complex to include selective demolition and adaptive renovation of the existing structure. The transformation includes parking, green space, river trail, amphitheater, and a restaurant. The project has drawn the commitments of new and expanding local New Haven businesses in the fields of construction, multi-media, and fitness. Public access to the Mill River Trail is enhanced by a river walk garden that compliments the aesthetics of the area. Incorporating an amphitheater will allow for educational, inspirational, and entertaining events for local community and visitors.
We provided traffic engineering to assess the development’s impact on intersection operations. Our site/civil/landscape architecture tasks included schematic design, a grading and drainage plan, a site utility plan, an erosion and sedimentation control plan, a landscaping planting plan, site lighting, and site layout.
The Brownfields site was heavily contaminated as was the transit building. Remediation and environmental cleanup make way for an revitalizing technology building and green waterfront. We performed Phase I, II, III environmental assessments, a screening level ecological risk assessment, and hazardous materials survey for the 9-acre parcel containing a 195,000 ft2 building formerly used for bus repair. Remedial and abatement planning along with estimates of probable cost were performed.
District New Haven features office spaces, an amphitheater, a kayak launch, and a beer garden.