Stamford approves using new apartment building as UConn dorm

Stamford has approved issuing a Special Permit so that a new apartment building at 1385 Washington Blvd. can be sued by the University of Connecticut (UConn) as a student dorm.

In 2022, Seabright Properties LLC received approval to construct a building that would have eight apartments and 15 parking spaces. The property is a short distance from UConn’s Stamford Campus at 1 University Place and, as such, is an attractive location for a dorm.

The new apartment building was constructed on a parcel of 0.21-acre and is located in the General Commercial District. The property is bounded by Washington Boulevard to the west, North Street to the north, and 1351 Washington Boulevard to the south.

The apartment building was approved for seven three-bedroom apartments and one two-bedroom apartment. The city was told that no exterior changes would be required to covert the building for use as a dormitory housing 46 students. UConn is leasing the property from the developer. It says it is one of three new residential facilities it has this year in Stamford, the other two being at Harbor Point – NV and Harbor Point – Alure. UConn says it will be able to house more than 650 students in Stamford.

“The proposed use will not impair the present or future development potential of the property or surrounding area.,” Stamford was told. “The proposed dormitory use is harmonious with other uses in the surrounding area, which include the UConn campus itself, as well as multi-family residential, commercial, and other institutional uses. Moreover, the surrounding area is fully developed.”

In approving the Special Permit, the city agreed that the dormitory use would allow UConn to provide dormitory housing to its students in a centrally located and walkable area where students can support downtown shops, businesses and eateries.

UConn began offering on its website 1385 Washington Blvd. as being one of the housing options for student in Stamford. It lists room rates for the 2024-2025 school year in its housing facilities in Stamford as ranging from $5,849 to $7,409 per semester.