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July 19, 2022

Walsh Group signs with DOT for Windsor Locks train station project

Contributed A rendering of the new train station in Windsor Locks.
Contributed A rendering of the new train station in Windsor Locks.
By Hanna Snyder Gambini

Windsor Locks officials are optimistic that long-awaited economic development initiatives are on track now that the state has secured a company to build a new train station downtown.

The state Department of Transportation signed on with The Walsh Group on Friday for the $65 million train station project. 

A municipal study conducted more than 15 years ago suggested that moving the train station downtown would spur massive revitalization efforts.

The state expects a groundbreaking in late August, which should launch other downtown revitalization efforts, Windsor Locks First Selectman Paul Harrington said.

“A lot of economic development happens once developers see that this is a real project,” Harrington said. “Once the dirt starts to fly, I think you’ll start to see real economic development down there.”

Mixed-use residential and commercial projects would be ideal, Harrington said, creating areas where people could live, work and play, with convenient access to public transportation.

The DOT is coordinating the project, but Harrington said both town and state officials are looking to attract serious developers with solid plans that will enhance the downtown area, the local economy and quality of life.

Once committed developers are in place, “That will unlock the treasure chest of money,” such as state Community Challenge and Community Investment Fund grants, Harrington said.

“But the state made it clear they want real plans before making an investment with developers,” Harrington said. “The developer needs to be real, and know that this is not free money, but that they have to invest in the town as well.” 

The town also has money that will support new development and downtown improvements from a municipal Main Street Capital Account or streetscape grants. 

Harrington said he has already started to spread the word that the DOT project is “really happening now,” and he is looking for the right developers.

“We have to be cognizant of the market,” he said. “Retail is hurting, but some areas are booming like health care and service-oriented storefronts like coffee shops or sandwich shops,” Harrington said. 

The DOT has set an 18 to 24 month timeline for the project. Harrington said he hopes development projects can run concurrently. 

Walsh Group is also the DOT’s contractor for the ongoing Mixmaster rehabilitation project in Waterbury. The $212 million project is set to be finished in June 2023.
 

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