11 Crown Street
MERIDEN, CT
TOWNHOUSES AND MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL OVER NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL SPACE
81 total residential units in a mix of multifamily and townhouse units
80% affordable, 20% market rate
parking garage
5,800 sf of conference/commercial space
1.6 acre site
Master Planning, Urban Design, 3D Modeling, Architectural Design, LITEC Funding Submission, Community / Stakeholder Meetings, Feasibility / Yield Analysis
BUILDING TYPES
Podium IBC Type V Mixed-Use Residential
Underground and Lined Parking Garage
Townhouses
The City of Meriden partnered with a project team, including the Torti Gallas design team led by Brian O’Looney as lead designer and Principal-in-Charge, to transform key City-owned properties within the newly established Transit-Oriented Development District. This transformative project replaces the former Record-Journal newspaper headquarters and forms the final piece of a comprehensive plan to reinvigorate Meriden’s downtown core. Situated adjacent to the new Civic Green, which now serves as the heart of Meriden, the development marks a significant milestone in the city’s revitalization.
The site presented several design challenges, including a significant amount of rock ledge and a steep, geometrically complex, and constrained site. Portions of the site were located within the 500-year floodplain, requiring careful planning and mitigation.
Despite these challenges, the project delivers a thoughtfully designed mixed-use development, including:
An elevator-accessible apartment building and townhouse units, ensuring a diverse housing mix.
A covered parking garage and screened parking for residents and visitors.
Flexible office and conference spaces to support community and business needs.
Accessible units and visitable features, designed to meet current codes and promote inclusivity.
The development is designed to achieve Passive House certification under the PHIUS+ standard, setting a benchmark for energy-efficient, climate-specific comfort and performance. Meeting stringent DOE, EPA, and Energy Star requirements, this design prioritizes sustainability while remaining affordable.
Funded in part by 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) awarded by the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA), the project exemplifies the successful integration of affordability, sustainability, and urban connectivity, ensuring long-term benefits for Meriden’s residents and the downtown core.
