From Ames To Luxury Living, Rocky Hill Project Gets $1M Grant

ROCKY HILL, CT — Plans to turn the former Ames department store company headquarters in Rocky Hill into luxury apartments received a boost from a state grant Monday for blighted properties.

Gov. Ned Lamont Monday announced a $999,000 grant for remediation and demolition of all structures on the site of the former Ames Corporate Headquarters located at 2418 Main St. and One Dividend Road.

Redevelopment plans by Rocky Hill Gateway, LLC (Belfonti Companies), include a mixed-use luxury apartment community with up to 213 units and 10,000 square feet of first floor retail.

The grant and loan funding are from the Department of Economic and Community Development’s (DECD) Brownfield Remediation and Development Program.

The state assistance is expected to leverage approximately $625 million in private funding and will help in the investigation and clean-up of approximately 86 acres of land.

“Cleaning up blighted properties that have been vacant for decades and putting them into productive use will ultimately generate private investment equal to many times these state grants,” Lamont said.

“If we remediate these properties now, we can turn an eyesore into an asset, revitalize neighborhoods, and transform otherwise unusable property into new space for businesses and residents.”

“These are smart investments that will boost vibrancy, expand housing opportunities, and spur commercial growth,” DECD Deputy Commissioner Alexandra Daum said.

“Remediation of brownfields is critically important for the health of our environment, and the health of our communities,” state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Commissioner Katie Dykes said.

“Ensuring that these sites are properly cleaned up will contribute to safer communities and will open the door to significant economic benefit once remediated.

"Brownfield locations are also the wise choice for development and growth, as these properties and the surrounding areas have had significant infrastructure investments in water, sewer, transportation, and energy.”

For the full announcement, click on this link.