Plans to Remake Rail Facilities in New Haven, Stamford Begin to Advance

Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Transportation Deputy Commissioner Laoise King have announced that Gilbane Development Company and MURAL Real Estate Partners have been selected to lead a privately developed transit-oriented, mixed-use community at New Haven Union Station.

The announcement of the $316.1 million project, earlier this summer, outlined plans to  convert underused state-owned land at Union Station into what was described by state officials as “a vibrant, mixed-use development anchored by two 16-story towers, bringing new housing, retail, and jobs just steps from rail, bus, and bike connections.”

The project is expected to deliver 470 new apartments, including 118 affordable units, alongside more than 28,000 square feet of retail and commercial space, 26,000 square feet of residential amenities, and 294 parking spaces to serve both tenants and transit customers.

Officials indicated that construction will be completed in two phases. The first phase is scheduled to begin in late 2026 and be completed by early 2028. The second phase will start in August 2029 and wrap up just over six years from now, by November 2031.

“This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking development we need to see more of in Connecticut,” Governor Lamont commented at the announcement. “We’re creating new housing, including affordable units, while strengthening public transit and growing the local economy. It’s a win for New Haven and a model for the rest of the state.”

“The New Haven Union Station redevelopment is part of the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s larger strategy to reimagine underused state land at transit hubs across the state,” added Deputy Commissioner King. “In communities around the state, our goal is to turn these under-utilized parking lots into neighborhoods that encourage transit activity and long-term economic growth.”

“You can’t get more transit-oriented development than building nearly 500 new homes right next to one of the busiest train hubs in the northeast,” Ed Broderick, CEO of Gilbane Inc., said. “Gilbane is honored to partner with the State of Connecticut, the City of New Haven, and Mural Real Estate Partners on this transformative project. This is precisely the kind of visionary development that helps combat the housing crisis and reconnect communities.”

“Union Station is one of New Haven’s most iconic and important places of connection,” Robin Zeigler, founder and CEO of MURAL Real Estate Partners, said. “This project represents an opportunity to further weave it into the life of the city – with new mixed-income residences, an engaging mix of retailers and local businesses, and public spaces that welcome both residents and visitors. We’re honored to partner with the State of Connecticut and Gilbane on this transformational effort and look forward to delivering a place that reflects and serves the New Haven community.”

In August, Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) released a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking redevelopment proposals for the Stewart B. McKinney Stamford Transportation Center (STC). Described by state officials as “a major step in CTDOT’s initiative to reimagine the STC as a modern, multi-modal transportation hub integrated with vibrant transit-oriented development (TOD),” interested development teams are invited to submit their proposals by the deadline of December 5, 2025. CTDOT plans to select up to two development teams and execute pre-development agreements by February 27, 2026.

“Redeveloping the Stewart B. McKinney Stamford Transportation Center is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a vibrant transit hub that meets Stamford’s growth and the evolving needs of travelers,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “By reimagining this property, we can deliver new housing, enhanced transit amenities, and commercial and retail spaces that will serve residents and visitors for decades to come.”

The 11-acre STC site, currently serving over 5.5 million annual rail and bus passengers, is in need of comprehensive upgrades and reconfiguration to meet the demands of a growing population and future transit expansions, including anticipated service increases from Metro-North and Amtrak. CTDOT’s vision is to create a world-class transportation center that improves connectivity, accessibility, safety, and user experience while fostering economic growth and sustainability.

Key goals for the redevelopment include replacing, relocating, and repurposing facilities within the station area to optimize long-term growth, incorporate pedestrian-friendly and ADA-compliant designs, and integrate smart parking and energy-efficient systems.

Officials indicated that the Connecticut Department of Transportation is also studying 18 state-owned parking lots for potential transit-oriented development projects in partnership with cities, towns, developers, and other stakeholders. Station locations being studied include Branford, Darien, Fairfield, Stratford, Wallingford, Waterbury, West Haven, and Wilton, among others.