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June 11, 2021

Elm City celebrates neighborhood renovation project 

PHOTOS | Michelle Tuccitto Sullo
By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo

Following several months of extensive renovations, the revitalization of the Ninth Square Apartments district is complete.

City officials joined with Boston-based real estate firm Beacon Communities Friday afternoon for a ribbon cutting and celebration. The event featured music, speeches, vendor tables and tours.

Beacon acquired the mixed-use, mixed-income rental property in 2019. The firm recently finished $17 million in renovations to the grounds, retail space and 335 residential apartments.

Beacon Communities CEO Dara Kovel called it an “exciting day.”

“We have an amazing array of commercial offerings here, and have had a series of business successes,” Kovel said.

Ninth Square Apartments’ headquarters is at 90 Crown St. The site encompasses several buildings in the area of Orange and Crown streets. The apartment facilities, which offer amenities such as a clubhouse and fitness center,  include Stone Hill House, the Chamberlin, Franklin Mews and Preston Mews. 

Of the apartments, some 190 have been designated as affordable, according to Kovel. 

Beacon Communities CEO Dara Kovel

Ninth Square has several restaurants and shops too, such as Barcade, Somos, Pho Thai, Bridal Trousseau and Elm City Games.

Mayor Justin Elicker noted that several businesses there have opened during the pandemic, and Beacon worked with business owners who needed help making rent, to help them survive the crisis.

“This project gives more people an opportunity to live in New Haven,” Elicker said. “It is such a beautiful environment for people who live and come here.”

Nandini Natarajan, CEO of the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, said it is “quite a milestone” to celebrate the opening of over 300 apartments, with many of them affordable. 

“A year ago, I visited the site and could see and feel the vitality of the area,” she said. “I commend those with the foresight to position these buildings for long-term success.”

Seila Mosquera-Bruno, commissioner of the state Department of Housing, said many residents of the complex will be able to walk to work or to the train station to commute.

“We have to make sure these projects continue not just downtown, but in our neighborhoods,” she said.

Alexandra Daum, deputy commissioner of the state Department of Economic and Community Development, said she is grateful for the investment in New Haven and the state.

“It is such a great project, with mixed income, mixed use and walkability,” Daum said. “It is unbelievable how vibrant Orange Street has become.”

Contact Michelle Tuccitto Sullo at msullo@newhavenbiz.com.

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