Fairfield Breaks Ground On Mixed-Use Transit-Oriented Complex

FAIRFIELD, CT — After 20 years, ground was finally broken in Fairfield Tuesday on a transit-oriented, mixed-used development complex on Ash Creek Boulevard across from the Fairfield Metro Train Station.

The nearly 24-acre property along Ash Creek will hold 350 residential apartments, a more than 100-room hotel (with a rooftop bar) and retail space; it will be built by New Jersey-based development firm, Accurate.

Cost estimates for the project were not immediately available.

"After 20 years, dreams do come true," said Jack Klugmann, Accurate's President and CEO, during a ground-breaking ceremony. The company will not only build the complex but maintain and operate it.

Fairfield First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick remarked that she was on the Representative Town Meeting 20 years ago when the town and different developers began the project. She added that Accurate's plan to "not just build and leave, but build and invest" in Fairfield is a winning formula.

"This is going to be so exciting," Kupchick said. "It's a big deal for the Town of Fairfield."

Below is a separate media release from Accurate about the ground-breaking event and the project:

FAIRFIELD, CT — Accurate broke ground today (September 20, 2022) on a highly-anticipated mixed-use project in Fairfield, CT., beginning work on a transit-oriented development that will deliver residential, retail, commercial and hospitality uses to a well-located site adjacent to one of the town’s Metro North train stations.

The transformational project is rising on a 23.88-acre parcel at 219 Ash Creek Boulevard in the
southeastern part of Fairfield bordering the City of Bridgeport. In addition to its immediate
proximity to the train station, the location provides access to the Long Island Sound, is bordered
by open space with walking trails, and is within walking distance to restaurant row in Black
Rock and the nearby Whole Foods shopping center.

Principals of Accurate joined Fairfield First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick, fellow municipal
officials and other dignitaries for a special groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the start of the
multi-faceted project that comes less than three months after Accurate announced its acquisition
of the fully-approved site.

“We are delighted to get to work on this important project which we believe will create a well-
balanced destination with modern residential, retail, commercial and hospitality fully integrated
to enhance connectivity and define a true sense of place,” said Jack Klugmann, President and
CEO of Accurate, a New Jersey-based development company specializing in residential,
commercial, and mixed-use properties. “We look forward to continuing to work in a
collaborative effort with Fairfield’s municipal officials as we pursue a collective vision for this
property that will benefit the community at large.”

Town leaders also expressed excitement for the first signs of progress at a site that has long been
earmarked for mixed-use development as part of a larger redevelopment plan. Spearheaded by
the town of Fairfield and State of Connecticut, that effort started with the Connecticut
Department of Transportation’s (CDOT) construction of the $90 million Metro North commuter
rail station that opened in 2011. An additional $45 million has been invested by the parties to
date in upgrading roadways and other infrastructure as well as remediating and preparing the
site to support planned future development.

“The Town of Fairfield signed the tripartite agreement with the state and previous developer
twenty years ago and the site has unfortunately sat vacant ever since. I have been working with
Accurate and the State Department of Transportation for many months and I am very excited this
project is finally coming to fruition,” said Fairfield First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick.

“Attracting and retaining top talent requires amenity rich, walkable and vibrant communities that
integrate work with modern life. We are actively seeking opportunities to thoughtfully grow our
commercial grand list, particularly around transit hubs. This project is smart mix-used
development near the train station, exactly the type of development we want. Several companies
have contacted the Town that are looking for large commercial space Fairfield does not currently
have to offer. It was truly an honor to put a symbolic shovel in the ground here today and I look
forward to seeing it come to life.”

Accurate’s expansion into the Connecticut market reflects the developer’s ongoing commitment
to playing a vital role in transforming neighborhoods and enhancing the lives of residents in
markets with strong underlying fundamentals. The move follows the company’s recent
announcement of its entry into the urban Philadelphia, PA market with plans for three new
residential projects in prime locations, including the city’s historic Northern Liberties
neighborhood and flourishing University City.