New Haven Selects Preferred Developer for Coliseum Site

The City of New Haven is pleased to announce the selection of Northland Investment Corporation as the preferred developer for the former Coliseum site. The site is a 4.5-acre surface parking lot located on the southern end of the Ninth Square neighborhood in downtown New Haven which is bounded by North Frontage Road, State Street, George Street, and South Orange Street. The City will enter into negotiations with this developer for the period of time necessary to reach a formal understanding regarding the project and its terms.

The City received six responses to the Request for Qualifications that was publicized earlier this year. The responses came from high quality developer-driven teams seeking the opportunity to transform the former Coliseum site into an active, vibrant and urban downtown streetscape. The City formed a Review Committee, made up of seven active members of the local community, to review each proposal, evaluate the proposal based on review criteria, conduct interviews, and develop a set of recommendations to the City. With these recommendations, the City conducted further due diligence and achieved its decision. Alderwoman Frances “Bitsie” Clark, Joan Channick (Managing Director of Long Wharf Theatre), Tony Rescigno (Executive Director of the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce), Don McGregor (then Chair of the Town Green Special Services District Board), Jorge Lopes (Chair of the New Haven Redevelopment Authority), Maricel Valcarcel (Ninth Square resident and City Plan Commission member), and Jonathan Koppell (Development Commission Chair) all contributed their time to serve on the Review Committee. “The Review Committee was a highly committed and active group, and we deeply appreciate the attention they gave to this project and the tough questions they asked to make sure that the best decision was made,” said Kelly Murphy, Economic Development Administrator.

The selection of Northland focused on three main areas: 1) Northland’s financial position is more secure particularly in the current financial market and thus provides confidence of the firm’s ability to complete the project in its entirety, 2) Northland has historically made a commitment to working in secondary and tertiary markets in cities of similar size to that of New Haven and has a track record of holding on to its investments in those markets, 3) Northland has experience working in Connecticut where it has built strong relationships with many State departments and elected officials and staff which strengthens their ability to move this project forward.

Another important aspect of the project that was considered during the selection process was the consideration of Long Wharf Theatre as an important component of the development. Northland is committed to working with the Theatre to integrate it into the larger development project.

“We are excited to be a part of this future development,” said Channick. “Being housed in this location will better position the Theatre in the heart of Downtown, an environment where arts are thriving and visitors can enjoy not only a great show but world-class dining and shopping in the same visit.”

The development of the former Coliseum site will extend the vitality of the Ninth square neighborhood to this section of downtown adjacent to Union Station, bringing 24/7 activity and providing many new local amenities.

“Northland’s exciting ideas and designs for this site and the investment they are prepared to make to achieve this project demonstrate the strength and vitality of our Downtown,” said Mayor John DeStefano, Jr. “We look forward to the new jobs that this project will provide not only during the construction phase but also in the form of retail and office opportunities. The housing options planned for this development are in line with the City’s mixed-income model that provides for strong neighborhoods and an improved sense of community.”

Northland’s original submission included more than one million square feet of new development on the former Coliseum site including the Theatre, housing, commercial office use, ground floor retail, and parking. The housing is proposed to be a combination of market and affordable units, as well as a mix of rental and home ownership. Northland, the City, and Long Wharf Theatre are working together to refine the design and ensure that the project meets the needs of the immediate neighborhood. Northland, working with the City, plans to seek input from the public as it refines and finalizes the design.

“We are honored to be selected by the City of New Haven to develop a vibrant mixed use neighborhood on the former Coliseum site, and partner with Long Wharf Theater to create an exciting new City landmark. We appreciate the diligence and hard work of the Review Committee and the Mayor’s office throughout the selection process,” said Lawrence R. Gottesdiener, Chairman of the Board of Northland Investment Corporation.

Murphy added, “We were impressed with their skill in green building design, experience with affordable housing, commitment to resident hiring and working with small and minority-owned businesses. Their strong track record of working closely with the community is a characteristic that also made them stand out.”

The firm has a strong history of development and management – earning the CTAA Nutmeg Award for Management Company of the Year in 2005, 2006, and 2007 and also in 2007 the Multi-Housing News Design Excellence Award Grand Prize for Urban Mixed Use for the Hartford 21 Project, the NAHB Pillars of the Industry Award finalist for Best High Rise Apartment for Hartford 21 and the best Mid-Rise Apartment for Endicott Green. Further, the company practices corporate responsibility, with employees earning the FAA Community Volunteer of the Year award.

Over the next 120 days, the City will be working with the developer to reach a final agreement on the project components. These components will be worked into a land transfer agreement and a Development Agreement to follow the standard City approval processes.