Bruce Museum To Begin Final Phase Of Streetscape Improvement Project

GREENWICH, CT — Construction on a streetscape and landscape improvement project along the Bruce Museum's Steamboat Road frontage is scheduled to begin later this week, marking the final phase of the museum's modernization and expansion project approved by the Town of Greenwich in 2017.

The project is intended to strengthen the visual and pedestrian connection between Greenwich Avenue, lower downtown, the museum and the waterfront, according to the museum. It will extend elements of the Greenwich Avenue streetscape along the museum's property while enhancing the surrounding landscape and preserving the character of the historic hillside.

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Construction is expected to continue through mid-September 2026.

During the approximately two-month construction period, the metered parking spaces on the east side of Steamboat Road adjacent to the museum will be temporarily closed. The spaces will reopen after the work is completed, and a new parking meter kiosk will be installed.

The exterior stairway south of the railroad bridge leading to the museum grounds will also be closed during construction. Directional signage and a temporary crosswalk near the train station will be provided for pedestrians.

The project includes widening much of the existing sidewalk from about five feet to 10 feet, replacing the asphalt sidewalk with concrete and granite curbing, installing four new street trees and decorative lighting similar to fixtures on Greenwich Avenue, reconstructing the existing stone retaining wall using its original stone, installing new landscaping approved by Greenwich Tree Warden Dr. Gregory Kramer, and creating spaces within the meadow for future outdoor sculpture installations.

According to the museum, the revised design avoids extensive grading through the center of the hillside, reduces the number and size of trees that must be removed, preserves several mature trees and adds about 1,278 square feet of green space.

The project also includes 21 new trees on the hillside, four new willow oak street trees and 58 new shrubs. The improvements will slightly reduce impervious coverage on the property.

The Greenwich Planning and Zoning Commission approved the modified Steamboat Road plan on July 22, 2025, following unanimous endorsement by the Greenwich Historic District Commission during an advisory review on June 11, 2025.

Completion of the work will conclude the site work associated with the museum's modernization project approved in 2017.

A.P. Construction Company, a division of Ashforth Properties Construction Inc., is serving as the project's general contractor.

The project team also includes Michele Cronin, AICP, president of 41° North Land Use Advisors LLC; Eric Rains Landscape Architecture LLC; and Redniss & Mead Inc.