City Seeks Proposals For Development Reuse Of Bassick High School

With a new Bassick High School under construction in the South End scheduled to open for the 2025-26 school year, the city has issued a request for proposals for the outgoing Bassick site on the West Side.

The city’s development department is leading the procurement process:

The City of Bridgeport, through its Office of Planning and Economic Development (OPED), is seeking proposals from qualified developers for the acquisition and redevelopment of an approximately 8-acre site at 1181 Fairfield Avenue, along with adjacent parcels at 226 Clinton Avenue and 1180 State Street. This centrally located West Side property includes two existing buildings totaling approximately 250,000 square feet and is bordered by State Street and Fairfield Avenue (State Route 130). Situated adjacent to the Lindencroft Park National Historic District and near the Bassickville National Historic District, the site offers a unique opportunity to integrate historic preservation with modern development.

The preservation and adaptive reuse of Bassick High School present an extraordinary opportunity to honor the past while shaping the future. The City seeks proposals that enhance the community, incorporate sustainable design, and create a vibrant, multi-purpose space reflecting Bridgeport’s historic character and evolving needs.

The City welcomes a range of development approaches, including rehabilitation of existing structures, selective demolition, and new construction, with a strong preference for projects that thoughtfully incorporate the architectural character of the historic 1929-era building.

Proposals should align with Bridgeport’s zoning regulations and support the vision outlined in the City’s Plan of Conservation and Development, Plan Bridgeport. The City seeks dynamic, community-oriented redevelopment that:

• Enhances the West Side neighborhood;
• Encourages pedestrian accessibility;
• Maximizes the site’s historic and economic potential;
• Contributes to a vibrant, mixed-use environment.

Developers with a strong track record of transformative projects, a commitment to community engagement, and expertise in sustainable, adaptive reuse are encouraged to respond. The selected proposal will balance historic preservation, economic viability, and long-term community benefits, creating a landmark development for Bridgeport’s future.