East Hartford Developer Reduces Apartment Count, Expands Commercial Space

A developer in East Hartford, Connecticut, has revised its original plan for a mixed-use building, opting to reduce the number of apartments while increasing commercial space. The company, Nam Hue 251, initially received approval for a three-story structure that included 36 apartments and commercial areas. The updated proposal now calls for fewer residential units and more retail space.

The newly proposed plan involves building only two stories at the vacant lot located at 351 Silver Lane, directly across from Dunkin’ Donuts, near the Pratt & Whitney headquarters. The revised design includes two studio apartments, 12 one-bedroom units, and six two-bedroom units, totaling 20 apartments—a reduction of 16 from the original plan. In contrast, the first-floor commercial space will expand to approximately 4,600 square feet, a significant increase from the previously planned 3,400 square feet.

According to Carlene Shaw, the town planner, the developer had initially added a 36th apartment after gaining site plan approval last summer but did not commence construction. Luke Mauro, the senior project manager with Solli Engineering, which consults for Nam Hue 251, shared that after discussions with financial partners, the decision was made to reduce the project’s height from three stories to two. He emphasized that this modification was essential for the project to move forward.

This shift reflects a broader trend in central Connecticut, where developers are increasingly recognizing the challenges in the housing and retail markets. Unlike recent large-scale projects in areas like South Windsor and Portland, where developers have sought to convert commercial space into housing due to lagging retail markets, Nam Hue 251’s move to prioritize commercial space suggests a divergence from that pattern.

In surrounding communities, there has been a notable struggle to balance the desire for modern retail establishments against the need for additional housing. Many affluent suburbs are wary of increasing housing density, particularly for units suitable for families, due to concerns over rising school enrollment and corresponding education budgets.

Last year, for example, a developer at Brainerd Place in Portland informed local officials that the market could not support the intended commercial space, prompting a request to add more apartments instead. Similarly, another developer in South Windsor indicated that previously planned retail spaces could not be realized as intended and proposed focusing on housing instead.

The revisions for the Silver Lane project, which include a reduction in parking and enhancements to green spaces, received approval from East Hartford planners. The changing landscape of development in Connecticut highlights the evolving needs and priorities of both developers and municipalities.