File image: Seaside Park Bathhouse
It sits largely vacant on a gorgeous sand strip along arguably the most majestic public beach and park in Connecticut, Seaside Park, designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted beckoned by Bridgeport’s single-greatest benefactor P. T. Barnum who donated the land to the city, but now the building known as the bathhouse pavilion is poised for a $3 million redevelopment, if approved by the Parks Commission and City Council.
A city selection committee has picked a local development team’s proposal to modernize the long-dormant waterfront building into a destination that includes a restaurant and events space, shops, brewery, seasonal produce, cafe and family activities. Currently, only bathrooms are open.
The Westport-based development firm under consideration, Whiteroan, showcases bona fides on its website, see here, is led by Rodrigo Real and Martin Purcell whose team includes Westport architect Brian Foster who has fashioned developments both internationally and locally.
The website notes:
“Our ambition is not simply to develop properties, but to build enduring destinations that create belonging, unlock lasting value and remain meaningful for generations.”
The submitted proposal envisions a “beach shack/brewery with great food and indoor-outdoor scene with live music, the smell of grilled jerk chicken, and toes in the sand.”
The second floor includes a “flagship event venue with water views to celebrate the best of Bridgeport.”
The development team plans to invest $3 million into the building paying the city a rental fee of $5,000 per month reset every five years at a 10 percent increase. It seeks a 10-year lease with two 10-year extensions.
See full proposal Seaside Bathhouse
Excerpts from proposal:
A vacant public building, a bathhouse owned by the City, on the public property that is Seaside Beach? All true.
However, what is the City selection committee named? Who are the members? And what are they advocating that is fair to the public and its representative Boards and Commissions that are part of a long-term agreement?
Are these reasonable questions for starters? Yet as of yesterday afternoon, the events on the City website still talk about heat relief in July and something else from several weeks past. Where does the Mayor attempt to assure the public that their work gets accomplished in public? Time will tell.
Not really, John. Questions, no doubt, The worthness my be in question. 🙂
I would ask:
How long did the city and park commission left, seeing the building vacant and decaying?
What is the building going to look like after the 3 million investment (as it pertains to its longevity)
Will the city be on the hook down the road like that Bassick deal I read about?
Is 5000 reasonable rent?
The issue I tend to conjure up with Port’s private-public partnership is that the private benefit seems to always be on the back of the city and its tax base. The Judas in city government always sells out the Port, its tax base, for their crumbs, piece, slick, whatever.
The sad part is the investment sometimes only comes in based on the model. JS
I mean, when we do get investment, it always seems to be half-baked. Just looking at Lennie photos of his now domicle in the Port those coloms and celling don’t ring out luxuious. JS
https://onlyinbridgeport.com/wordpress/the-august-the-coastal-pearl-of-fairfield-county-is-luxury-living-without-the-luxury-cost/
Well, at least not in the Donald Trump’s understanding of luxurious 🙂
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aInjfaWyZgE
I have lived in Bridgeport the past forty-two years and that bathhouse has been underutilized and in poor repair for all of those years. Reading the CT Post article, this proposal looks very promising. My fear is that it will be a case of perfection being the enemy of the good.
Looking at various development ideas over the years, due diligence is certainly required of all proposals and this is no exception. Between City Economic Development staff, the Parks Board and City Council, I trust that a positive deal can be struck. Rent, parking, etc. all need to be worked out and that will be a work in progress.
Like many rust-belt cities, when it comes to development, Bridgeport is not for the faint of heart. Look at SteelPointe, an overnight success…After thirty years!
This bathhouse revival sounds like a great idea. Yes, the devil is in the details but let’s reserve judgement until all the details are presented to the proper boards with all the due diligence every project requires.
Only god remembers the last time the building was actually fully used damn joke 42 years you said Denis 42…………….same damn shit…………….GET IT DONE BRIDGEPORT
I’m so old that I can remember the underground tunnel from the bathouse to the beach.
You’re so old you remember it before Barnum deeded the property to the city.
I’m so io old I’ll show you Howe standing up!
Underground tunnel? Before my day. There might have been an open flat area in the back where the now-garbage dump/solar farm is set. What a waste of seaside land.
On the bright side, the Port residents have another year of free admission. Not completely sure what motivation is/was behind that move, but I am betting it’s “disingenuous,” John. 🙂
Perhaps the Port residents will get free passes to drive accrose/use that bridge over the park. 🙂