[Wilton2ParkAve]

Originally Posted by Stylo

That was my first thought too seeing it in person. Very generic new construction with no charm. Want to see a warmer, more inviting new construction urban project? Look at Blue Back Square in West Hartford.

That said, I do agree that it's a welcome change from the industrial wasteland that used to be there - but it could have been so much better.

I'm not seeing much difference between Blue Back and Harborpoint. We do need to keep in mind that Harborpoint is primarily commercial/residential in nature (with a touch of hospitality/lodging). I for one am glad that generic, low paying chains are absent from the development. Stamford already has ample retail and dining options.

[DarkWolf]

Originally Posted by richrf

I did want to thank the Op and Style for the pics.

Your welcome there are several dozen developments like this in the Tri-State area , this is by far the worst up there with Sterile Long Island City.

[Wilton2ParkAve]

Originally Posted by Nexis4Jersey

Your welcome there are several dozen developments like this in the Tri-State area , this is by far the worst up there with Sterile Long Island City.

Why is this the worst? It actually is true mixed use due to its close proximity to major mass transit.

[richrf]

Originally Posted by Nexis4Jersey

Your welcome there are several dozen developments like this in the Tri-State area , this is by far the worst up there with Sterile Long Island City.

Can you offer some suggestions of which developments you consider are better planned in the Tri-state area? Thanks.

[Stylo]

Originally Posted by Wilton2ParkAve

I'm not seeing much difference between Blue Back and Harborpoint.

I realize this statement is highly subjective, but they are very different. Blue Back feels like a "real" town's downtown, a community - whereas Harbor Point feels like a generic commercial development with some retail mixed in at random.

On a lighter note, I'm looking forward to having a Dinosaur BBQ nearby and Fairway is a great supermarket.

[UconnHusky1]

Originally Posted by willow wind

Ugly, ugly and too austere. Could be any apartment block in Moscow or eastern Europe. The difference being in what the rents will be. Can only image what people will pay to live in those things.

I completely agree....these pictures remind me of East Berlin when I visited as a kid.

[Wilton2ParkAve]

I think the austerity is due to the lack of inhabitants and a finished product. A bit early to pass judgment.

[AntonioR]

Originally Posted by Wilton2ParkAve

I think the austerity is due to the lack of inhabitants and a finished product. A bit early to pass judgment.

All the apartment buildings that have been finished seem to have a very decent occupancy (or at least, near full), at least judging from street level on the number of windows with curtains, furniture silhouettes, etc. The biggest issue with the development is the lack of stores/restaurants/cafes geared towards the upper middle class inhabitants, but that might change with time. Also, the planned hotel has yet to be built. The office space appears to be leasing at a much slower pace, though.

[AntonioR]

Originally Posted by Wilton2ParkAve

Why is this the worst? It actually is true mixed use due to its close proximity to major mass transit.

There is also a plan to build a tramway line connecting the project with downtown, but I haven't seen much regarding this project for quite a while. It would be nice if its built and expanded to other areas of the city and into the suburban parts.

BTW, Kosciusko Park is in great need of maintenance. I remember a few years ago I posted here (see post: Kosciousko Park -- Unbelievable! the then new photovoltaic lighting was severely affected by a storm, with most of the solar panels ripped off. Nothing has happened since then regarding their replacements.

I went during the weekend to witness the damage from Sandy and things look much worst. A few trees have fallen, many more light fixtures look broken (albeit I don't think most of them work since the original storm that ripped the solar panels), various sections of the fine gravel jogging/walking path along the shoreline has severely eroded, with clearly visible gutted ravines where the flood waters flowed back to the sea. Even some of the benches have pieces broken off.

Its such a nice park, I hope it gets the much needed maintenance soon!!

[richrf]

Originally Posted by Antonio84

All the apartment buildings that have been finished seem to have a very decent occupancy (or at least, near full), at least judging from street level on the number of windows with curtains, furniture silhouettes, etc. The biggest issue with the development is the lack of stores/restaurants/cafes geared towards the upper middle class inhabitants, but that might change with time. Also, the planned hotel has yet to be built. The office space appears to be leasing at a much slower pace, though.

Here on the northside of Chicago we have tons of stores/restaurants/cafes lining Broadway, Clark Street, and Halsted. The area is very alive until late in the evening and always new things to do an see. The newer southside area has a paucity of shops and restaurants and no trees or park land. It is a ghost town during the evening though during the day there may be some foot traffic around some some of the restaurants. Quite a different climate. People move to the southside if they want to live in a modern condo/rental and have easy access to the Loop. They live on the northside if they like the active, lively lifestyle (similar to the Village).