Large Office Building Proposed To Be Demolished In Greenwich: P&Z Docs

GREENWICH, CT — An insurance company is seeking to demolish its large office building in downtown Greenwich and reconstruct it in the same location, according to documents recently submitted to the Greenwich Planning & Zoning Commission.

Previously in 2023, the commission approved a site plan and special permit for the construction of a guard booth and a major renovation to W.R. Berkley Corporation's existing building at 457 Steamboat Road, including the replacement of all mechanical equipment. The commission had also approved the renovation of a penthouse area for a boardroom and roof deck.

"After receiving cost estimates for the renovation of the building, it was determined that it was more cost-effective to demolish the existing building and reconstruct it in the same location," wrote Thomas J. Heagney, attorney for the applicant, in submitted documents. "The proposed plan maintains the same square footage, stories, and height of the existing building."

Heagney also said the newly-designed building "will address neighborhood concerns regarding noise and lighting."

W.R. Berkley Corporation had sought to demolish several existing structures and the construct a three story office building totaling 38,300 square feet across five lots at 44-59 Davenport Ave. and 537-545 Steamboat Road, but the Planning & Zoning Commission rejected the plans last November, notably citing concerns about impacts to the nearby residential area.

The insurance company is headquartered in Greenwich, and was founded in 1967 by William R. Berkley and Paul Dean. The company "has grown from a small investment management firm into one of the largest commercial lines property and casualty insurers in the United States," its website says.

There are also offices at 1 Station Place in Stamford.

The proposal is expected to go before the Greenwich Planning & Zoning Commission in the coming weeks.