What's Happening?
Lonicera Partners and Nimbus Properties, alongside Congressman Jim Himes and First Selectman Fred Camillo, celebrated the groundbreaking of Benedict Court, a new 120-unit multifamily residential community in downtown Greenwich, Connecticut. The development,
located at 19 Benedict Place, is designed to address a range of housing needs within the community. Forty percent of the units, totaling 48 apartments, will be offered at below-market rates, specifically targeting moderate-income households. This initiative is a collaborative effort with the Town of Greenwich and the Greenwich Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The project is slated for completion in 2028 and will feature a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, with amenities such as a fitness center, resident dining room, private library, coworking space, and a shared rooftop terrace. The design by BKSK Architects incorporates traditional New England-inspired elements to complement the local architectural character.
Why It's Important?
This development is significant for Greenwich as it represents the largest amount of new housing options coming to the downtown area, according to Jamie Anthony, a partner at Lonicera Partners. The inclusion of 40% below-market rate units is crucial for providing housing opportunities for middle-income residents, including local workforce members such as educators, healthcare workers, first responders, municipal employees, and service industry professionals. Many of these individuals currently work in Greenwich but face challenges affording to live there. Phil Wharton, a partner at Nimbus Properties, highlighted that the affordability mix meets Connecticut’s 8-30g statute, offering a solution for those who earn too much for conventional affordable housing but still cannot afford market rates. This project aims to bridge a critical gap in housing availability, allowing essential workers to reside closer to their workplaces and fostering a more integrated community.
What's Next?
The Benedict Court development is scheduled for completion in 2028. Over the next few years, construction will proceed on the six-story brick-clad building. The developers, Lonicera Partners and Nimbus Properties, will continue their collaboration with the Town of Greenwich and the Greenwich Affordable Housing Trust Fund to ensure the project aligns with community goals and regulatory requirements. Once completed, the process of allocating the 48 moderate-income units will begin, targeting eligible local workforce members. The success of this project could serve as a model for other communities in Connecticut and beyond, demonstrating an innovative approach to addressing housing affordability for the 'missing middle' income bracket. The community will also need to prepare for the integration of new residents and the potential impact on local services and infrastructure.
Beyond the Headlines
The Benedict Court project goes beyond simply adding housing units; it addresses a broader societal challenge of housing affordability for essential workers in affluent areas. The 'new formula for affordable housing' mentioned by Phil Wharton, which meets Connecticut's 8-30g statute, signifies a potential shift in how communities approach housing solutions. This model could influence future urban planning and development strategies, encouraging more collaborative efforts between private developers and local governments to create mixed-income communities. The emphasis on housing for those 'stuck in the middle' highlights an often-overlooked demographic in housing policy. Furthermore, the project's design, which integrates with the existing character of Greenwich, suggests a growing trend towards thoughtful urban development that balances modern needs with historical aesthetics, aiming to enhance rather than disrupt community identity.
