Downtown Middletown is identified as a regional center on the State’s Plan of Conservation and Development and is therefore eligible to be designated as a Housing Incentive Zone (IHZ). This designation means that the downtown is an area of concentrated development. All necessary infrastructure and mass transit is in place to support a vibrant mixed use environment. This is where housing and commerce should be concentrated.
The downtown can accommodate higher densities but the private sector is not seeking to develop residential units in the downtown. The study proposed will answer why and how can the city attract more housing in the downtown to create a true urban place where people of all incomes live, work, gather, relax, shop, dine and worship.
Downtown has experienced an amazing transformation in the last 15 years and is on the precipice of becoming a truly great downtown. The oft quoted term “a three legged stool” certainly applies to Middletown’s downtown. The 3 legs are commercial, governmental/institutional, and residential.
The governmental/institutional leg is strong. With the Superior Court, City Hall and the award winning Police Station on Main Street government is deeply entrenched and committed to the downtown. Our institutions are strong. Middlesex Hospital has just completed a $39 million expansion and continues to acquire additional properties. Wesleyan University has just completed a $280 million capital expansion and has invested millions in the Green Street Arts Center right in the downtown.
The commercial leg is equally strong. With over 40 restaurants and nearly as many cuisines, a 12 screen movie theater, specialty retailers scattered throughout and the construction of two (2) new signature buildings, including a food market, on Main Street in 2008 the downtown market is becoming stronger even in these challenging times.
Residential is certainly the weakest leg of the stool. As with most downtowns in Connecticut, Middletown struggles to attract the development of new market rate housing in the downtown core, despite the fact that it is becoming increasingly popular for empty nesters and the 20 something crowd.
Project ContactBid Opportunities
RKG Associates Bid Proposal- Selected Vendor
Project Documents
Michiel Wackers, AICP
Deputy Director of Planning, Conservation and Development
City of Middletown
245 DeKoven Drive, Room 202
Middletown, CT 06457
860-344-3425
860-344-3593 fax