Developer Phil Kuchma has launched a new construction project a block from his successful Bijou Square development Downtown. News release from Mayor Bill Finch:
Mayor Bill Finch, developer Phil Kuchma, City officials and several members of the Bridgeport business community celebrated the commencement of new construction in downtown at 1208 Broad Street on Thursday afternoon.
Kuchma Corporation will begin the construction of a new three-story, 12 unit apartment building at the location, which was previously a green space next to the stairs that connect Broad Street to Golden Hill Street. This is one of several projects totaling an estimated $10 million that the developer has initiated in the Golden Hill section of Bridgeport’s downtown.
Mayor Finch, Director of the Office of Planning and Economic Development David Kooris, Kuchma and the entire Kuchma Corporation staff unveiled the sign on the site of the development, which will be called “Upstairs Studios.”
“Our downtown neighborhood continues to grow at an exciting pace. We’re attracting new residents who want to live in an exciting urban center full of cultural and entertainment options,” said Mayor Finch. “We’re thankful for the partnership we have with Phil Kuchma, his vision and leadership have been instrumental in the success of downtown.”
This new project is just a short walk away from Bijou Square, which includes four mixed-use buildings also developed by Kuchma Corporation. Earlier this month, Kuchma received a national award for historic preservation and development.
Great news. Shouldn’t the city name a street after Phil Kuchma in recognition of his commitment and vision of downtown? This is great news for the city, Mayor Finch and the downtown community. Life after dark will stimulate local retail and restaurants. Seeing construction makes me smile and is great positive energy and hope for all who believe in downtown’s revitalization.
Big Bird Boulevard.
Corporate Welfare Boulevard. Notice the pattern of movement here. When will they get to the Charles F. Green Housing Project?
lol
A-hole Ave
Will this be another Affordable Housing financing scam?
Remember, Lafayette Square was going to be upscale condos, then upscale rental, then partially subsidized mixed, to significant Section 8.
And then let’s talk about the French bistro that folded or the independent coffee shop that shut down. This is a highly successful development?
Grin–
Are you talking about 323 Fairfield? If so, it is not Section 8, there are about 10 workforce housing units offering 20% off market rates.
You are correct, I have a friend who lives there and it’s a really nice place. There are no Section 8 subsidized units in that building.
How many times did you frequent either of those two places? Exactly what do you do to support the downtown businesses? Your posts are so negative, why don’t you look at the bright side once in awhile? It’s as if you take pleasure in knocking any kind of progress in Bridgeport, what’s up with that?
More good stuff from Phil Kuchma and Bill Finch. Kudos. Downtown is getting better and better.
Never fails to amaze me, when there is good news there are still negative comments.
Kudos to Kuchma again! It’s so disheartening to see some miserable people post such negative comments whenever something good happens in Bridgeport. It’s as if they want the city to fail and then they would be just delighted. What a shame and shame on them.
The plain, simple, sad fact is there is not enough development going on downtown. It amazes me how there are those who are satisfied with the status quo. I wonder why.
*** Once again the “man in black” is stepping up to the plate to make Bpt’s downtown area a better place to visit and live! Wish the city had more urban developers like Kuchma to make this city a better place, no? ***
I know he tried over 30 years ago, but what about Phil Kuchma for Mayor? His perseverance is legendary with us former downtown merchants.