Mayor Joseph P. Ganim
Bridgeport, CT
For Immediate Release
September 27, 2018
For More information:
Dalmarys Matos (203) 576-7201
Dalmarys.matos@bridgeportct.gov
Press Release
Grocery Store and Retail Plaza Coming to Bridgeport’s East End
$13 Million in New Investment Coming to the Civic Block
Bridgeport, CT – Mayor Ganim joined city leaders today to announce the development team and proposal chosen in response to the Civic Block retail development RFP on Stratford Avenue. Bridgeport-based, minority business owner Anthony Stewart of Ashlar Construction LLC and his team have been selected to construct a retail plaza that features a neighborhood grocery store.
“It has been over 40 years since the East End has had a grocery store in their neighborhood. I am proud today to be making this announcement after years of community effort, and public support. This project will be outstanding, and it will mark the rebirth of this part of our City,” said Mayor Ganim.
In June 2018, the Office of Planning & Economic Development released an RFP for the development of a retail plaza to complement the $6MM Newfield Library project. Ashlar Construction LLC, development team for the Newfield Library, submitted a proposal and was chosen by a selection committee. Bridgeport Landing Development (BLD) is an equity partner in the project, showing their commitment not just to Steelpointe, but to the East End.
Ashlar Construction managing member Anthony Stewart said, “The Civic Block development is the culmination of years of planning by the NRZ and the East End Community as a whole. I am proud and humbled at the same time that they have ordered it to Ashlar Construction. And my commitment is that we will do everything in our power to make sure that this is a catalyst, a show piece for the rest of the development that is going to happen in the East End of Bridgeport.”
Mr. Stewart’s proposal provides for 35,000 square feet of retail and commercial space and represents an additional $7MM investment to the Civic Block. This facility will boast a bakery, hair salon, grocery store, laundromat, medical services, pharmacy, and restaurant. Mr. Tony Pena of Gala Fresh (formerly Compare Foods) is to be the anchor tenant.
Final plans will be presented to the NRZ and to Department of Zoning in the coming months.
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