Soundview Landing becomes Connecticut's First Mixed-Income LEED Certified Neighborhood Development
(Norwalk, Conn.) Today, October 2, 2023, Trinity Financial and the City of Norwalk announced that Soundview Landing, a 273-unit mixed-income housing community in Norwalk, CT, has received the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design - Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND) certification, making it the first such mixed-income neighborhood in the state of Connecticut.
The former Washington Village community and the surrounding neighborhood, including Ryan Park, have been redeveloped through the HUD funded Choice Neighborhoods Initiative.
"We are extremely honored to receive LEED-Neighborhood Development certification, confirming that Soundview Landing is one of the most sustainable communities in the state," said Michael Lozano, Trinity Vice President of Development. "We developed a one-of-a-kind, diverse neighborhood in the heart of South Norwalk based on thoughtful planning and design that features exceptional homes and unique resident offerings set among dynamic public open spaces and walkable streets."
In partnership with the Norwalk Housing Authority, the City of Norwalk is incredibly proud to receive the first LEED-Neighborhood Development certification for a mixed-income development in the state of Connecticut for our work at Soundview Landing," said Mayor Rilling. "Not only was it our goal to help transform a neighborhood by creating mixed-income housing that was affordable for hundreds of families in our community, but we also wanted to build it correctly with the most sustainable infrastructure possible. The project accounted for flood mitigation technology, energy-efficient appliances, green spaces for families and more. In Norwalk, we believe that everyone should have adequate housing they can afford, with amenities that have a lasting positive impact on their health."
Formerly the oldest public housing development in Connecticut, Hurricane Sandy flooded the Washington Village apartments with three feet of water in 2012. In response, the Norwalk Housing Authority, the City of Norwalk and Trinity Financial developed a comprehensive assessment of the broader South Norwalk neighborhood and built community consensus for an ambitious plan to transform the Washington Village site and its surrounding neighborhood. The redevelopment went beyond a simple one-for-one replacement of the existing public housing units, creating a significant mixed-income, mixed-use, state-of-the art "green" development.
Developed with the help of a federal $30 million HUD Choice Neighborhood Initiative Grant, Soundview Landing includes 136 replacement public housing, 67 workforce and 70 market-rate apartment homes. The units offer open-concept living spaces with large energy-efficient windows, high-quality finishes, and kitchens with Energy Star appliances. Each unit has a high-efficiency HVAC system. Indoor and outdoor common areas include fitness centers, community rooms with kitchenettes, outdoor patios, playgrounds, as well as quiet sitting areas.
The Norwalk Housing Authority had an ambitious vision not only to rebuild a housing development that was in particularly rough shape, but also to transform the neighborhood in which our residents live. As part of that vision, we wanted to utilize the most sustainable design principles and technologies available, making it a model for future developments," said Adam Bovilsky, Norwalk Housing Authority's Executive Director. "Achieving the LEED-ND Certified designation shows that the NHA was committed to achieving a high level of sustainability from its early planning through its construction and ultimately operation as a thriving community." The housing and neighborhood reinvestment exceeded $185 million.
The development is also home to the Norwalk Housing Authority ("NHA") EnVision Center. The NHA's EnVision Center is a resource center focused on empowering households toward self-sufficiency by providing direct services to promote economic self-reliance, educational advancement, health and wellness, character and leadership, and more. The EnVision Center team also partners with many community service providers, including The Workplace, Norwalk ACTS, Open Door Shelter, Norwalk Public Library, Career Resources, Norwalk Fair Housing, Greater Norwalk Chamber of Commerce, Norwalk Community Resource Hub and more.
"The CT Green Building Council is thrilled to see projects like Soundview Landing support the ability for people, communities, and the planet to thrive. Soundview Landing is a shining example of a LEED-certified neighborhood in Fairfield County and serves as an example of how to scale efficient, healthy, resilient homes for all," said Kai Stern, Board of Directors Chair for The Connecticut Green Building Council. "Energy use in buildings is responsible for nearly half of Connecticut's greenhouse gas emissions, and air pollution from burning fuels in Connecticut buildings cost $3.567 billion in health impact costs in 2017. The enormous impact on human health and well-being is crucial to the future of our state and its residents."
The Dimeo Construction Company along with consultants Steven Winter Associates and New Ecology, Inc. were instrumental in obtaining the certifications, including Green Enterprise Communities and Energy Star.
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About Trinity Financial
Founded in 1987, Trinity is a community-driven, diverse team of real estate professionals with a proven track record of developing urban sites from New York to Greater Boston. It has the unique ability to complete complex, mixed-use projects overseeing all aspects of real estate - from finance to development to property management - on urban sites, especially those challenged by politics, infrastructure, environment or market profile.
The company's work spans half a dozen residential and commercial specialties, from multi-family housing to transit-oriented development. With over $3 billion in transformative development work, it has a reputation for delivering high-quality multifamily projects resulting in a stronger urban fabric - with a commitment to people, place and partners.
About Norwalk Housing Authority
Norwalk Housing, established in 1939, builds, maintains, and preserves safe, affordable housing through well managed, mixed income properties that strengthen our community. Our current portfolio includes affordable housing for eligible low-income families and the elderly through 1,084 Public Housing units and manages 1,067 Section 8 Vouchers for area landlords. Norwalk Housing is governed by a five member Board of Commissioners.
Norwalk Housing empowers residents to achieve self-sufficiency through innovative partnerships that encourage personal and professional growth. Norwalk Housing provides a wide range of educational opportunities for residents of assisted housing in Norwalk including free after school programs and enrichment programs for children. College educations are possible for Norwalk Housing residents through the Norwalk Housing Foundation College Scholarship Program.