Value of Fairfield commercial building permits passes $100M

Data compiled by the Fairfield Department of Community & Economic Development indicates that the value of commercial building permits issued in 2019 surpassed $100 million ”“ more than twice the 2018 total and the highest number for the past 15 years.

The DECD said that 2020 also looks to be a busy year.

Among 2019”™s most notable permits were those to construct a mixed-use transit-oriented development near the Fairfield Metro Center train station ($17.7 million), a  medical office building ($5.4 million),  townhouses at Fairfield University ($7.1 million) and three residence halls at Sacred Heart University ($43.4 million).

“We have a developer ready to put a shovel in the ground at our metro train station,” First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick said at the recent Fairfield Chamber of Commerce 2020 Economic Outlook Breakfast. “But we need a business willing to make the first step to add to the vision for this area.

“I am excited for the Metro Center development plans for a hotel to support our universities,” she continued, “and I am encouraged by their vision. I will support revitalizing that corridor with street scape improvements and work to connect that area to our downtown.”

Earlier this month, Kupchick told the Business Journal she was confident that the Fairfield Metro Center project ”” a 1.1 million-square-foot commercial development and commuter rail stop that has been on the drawing board since 2005 ”” would move forward this year.