Growth and Redevelopment

MYSTIC, CT

Located on a key site on the Mystic River, the master plan for Seaport Marine has the potential to significantly enhance downtown Mystic. The property is located on the east side of the river at the end of Cottrell Street, between two bridges – the historic bascule bridge and the swinging railroad bridge. In its current state, most visitors see only derelict industrial buildings. In fact, today the end of Cottrell Street presents an unwelcoming barrier to the site.

The intention for the redevelopment of the property is to open up the site to the public, broadening their view of the river. A 25’ wide boardwalk at the end of Cottrell Street will act as an extension of the Mystic River park, rising up and bordering a new boat basin. The boardwalk will continue along revitalized docks and boat slips inviting the public to enjoy the river’s edge. New buildings that border the new boat basin will include a hotel/residential building located along Washington Street, an open plaza, a marina services/sail loft facility, and a new restaurant that recalls its sister restaurant, Red 36.

The plan calls for Willow Street to be widened and extended, pulling the Mystic street grid into the property. A single-family house and a duplex building at the corner of Willow and Washington Streets will frame the vehicular entry to the site while maintaining the residential scale of the neighborhood. Willow Street will provide a view of the recently renovated Allen Spool Mill and give access to ample public parking and a central open space at the heart of the project. Other residential buildings will include an apartment-style building on the curve of the river and a sequestered group of town houses on a quiet cove.