Building Underway On $20.2M Rev. Curtis M. Cofield II Estates Project

NEW HAVEN, CT — With construction underway for the past few months, the ground was ceremoniously broken by city, state and federal officials recently on the Rev. Curtis M. Cofield II Estates apartments in the West River neighborhood of New Haven.

New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker, Board of Alders President Tyisha Walker-Myers, and other federal, state, city, and community leaders and officials joined the West River Self-Help Investment Plan and the NHP Foundation for the ceremony.

The namesake of the project, the late Rev. Curtis M. Cofield II, was a beloved leader in New Haven’s and Connecticut’s faith community, a strong advocate for individuals experiencing homelessness and individuals living with AIDS, and the former leader of West River SHIP who was the visionary of this housing initiative.

Located on formerly vacant land purchased from the city of New Haven, the project, according to Elicker's office, "signifies NHPF's inaugural venture in the Elm City, and is being done in partnership with West River SHIP."

"Once completed, the project will provide 56 much-needed affordable apartments in the West River community, including 14 supportive housing units," it's noted in a release from the Mayor's office. Spread across 11 townhouse-style buildings on a 4.3-acre site, the project will provide a diverse mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, catering to households at or below 60 percent of the area median income. It will also include amenities such as on-site parking, commercial space for minority-owned businesses, and community facilities, including a playground and a community center.

The $20.2 million project is scheduled to be completed by March 2025, according to the city.

According to New Haven-based Kenneth Boroson Architects, the Route 34 corridor property, adjacent to the International Peace Garden, is bordered by Ella Grasso Boulevard, Tyler Street, Legion Avenue, and Martin Luther King Boulevard/North Frontage Road.

According to Kenneth Boroson Architects, all the structures are designed for 'Passive House' certification in compliance with PHIUS+ criteria — an energy efficient building standard which will result in low utility bills. All units will be classified as affordable, with varying income requirements.

It's noted by the architect that in 2021, the development received low-income housing tax credits funding from the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority.