The owners of adjacent commercial buildings in downtown New Canaan have submitted a proposal to the town that would allow for a new hotel on Locust Avenue.
49-51 Locust Ave. on May 26, 2025. Credit: Michael Dinan
The vision is for a 40-key hotel connecting to an outdoor landscaped patio at 49-51 Locust Ave., according to a pre-application presentation filed with the Planning & Zoning Commission. The proposal for 39 Locust is a mixed-use office or retail space with eight extended-stay hotel keys, the pre-application said.
Both buildings are currently three-story brick office buildings with above and below-grade parking, and the plan is for an “adaptive reuse of existing buildings,” according to the pre-application.
The hope is to “preserve significant existing setbacks, light, air, and onsite parking,” it said. This remodeling also allows more area for landscaping improvements, which creates a “more vibrant pedestrian experience.”
A formal pre-application presentation is scheduled to come before P&Z during its regular meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Proposed elevation from Cherry Street. Specs by Windward Development https://cms3.revize.com/revize/canaan/Departments/Land%20Use/Pending%20P&Z%20Commission%20Applications/25.05.19%2039&49-51%20Locust%20Preapp%20Presentation.pdf
Purchased for a combined approximately $11.8 million in 2015, the properties—located on Locust between Forest and Cherry Streets—are owned by Stamford-based FJ Holdings LLC, tax records show. According to the presentation, compiled by New Canaan-based Windward Development, Inc., the changes will improve existing architecture by adding new structure on the north side of 49-51 Locust Ave., adding a partial fourth floor to 49-51 Locust, redesigning window and door arrangements in both buildings and interrupting the continuous brick exterior of both buildings with different masonry detailing.
According to the proposal, uses for 49-51 Locust Ave. will include a hotel, restaurant, dining patio and retail spaces. Number 39—the former Board of Education building and more recently the temporary police headquarters—will have office, retail and commercial space on the ground levels and hotel rooms on the upper floors, the pre-application presentation said.
39 Locust Ave. on May 26, 2025. Credit: Michael Dinan
To move into the next phase, the pre-applicant is asking P&Z to amend the New Canaan Zoning Regulations to allow for hotels in the Business C Zone via Special Permit (current Business C regulations on page 87 here). Additionally, the pre-applicant requested that the Commission apply a “text change for Business C zone to allow building height above 30 feet and up to 4 stories…” A framework for something like this already exists for the Retail B zone, the pre-application said.
If P&Z grants its request, the pre-applicant will move forward toward its overall goal to “add additional lodging options to town inventory, which is lacking,” it said.
Wow!!! What a refreshing new concept that blends perfectly into the DNA of our town ,New Canaan. Needless to say, from the drawings seen above, it’s enhances our downtown area considerably.
The proposal will create an entire new destination for residents and visitors to shop, relax and enjoy a fine meal. The “hotel” concept is unique and fulfills a need that town presently has no solution for when families visit our community. The office complex will attract new businesses to our town at a time when some have been exiting.
And yes, the jobs and revenue it will create ,should not be lost on anybody.It will help create and maintain a thriving environment in a community that should be looking for expansion to meet the needs of the residents.
To me , this proposal, creates an incentive and opportunity for New Canaan to maintain it’s character for years to come without having to deal with “mass” building in our community that is not in keeping with the architecture of the town.
Bottom line, this looks like a proposal that needs to move forward with the support of Board and the community. As a 42 year resident of New Canaan, I look forward to a favorable response.
Feel free to reach out to me should there be any questions. Remember what many say about New Canaan – Next stop, Heaven!
Best regards,
Ed McCarrick
124 Gerrish Lane
New Canaan, Ct. 06840
I totally agree and what better way for prospective buyers to experience New Cannaan by enabling them to get to know the town and community by actually staying in the town !
Recently, someone asked me if there was a nice newish hotel in New Canaan that they could stay in. I had to say no.
This would be a really nice addition to the town. I hope it passes.
How Exciting! Perfect for weddings at Waveny House.
This seems like a great concept. More walkable business, increased tax base for the town, an option for my parents and any other visitors to stay. I’d love to see it.
This is a great idea, much needed in town and whilst had been discussed over the years has yet to be executed. I hope this one comes to fruition. The location is excellent and hopefully can draw more business to town. Love the concept drawings.