The Future Of Union Station Looks Like This: Almost Unrecognizable

NEW HAVEN, CT — It's hard to imagine what the project will look like, even with colorful renderings.

The always busy New Haven Union Station is also home to "underused state-owned land" and by November 2031, will see fully completed a $316.1 million privately developed transit-oriented, mixed-use community, according to state officials. The "vibrant" mixed-use development, which is traditionally housing and retail/commercial combined, will be anchored by two 16-story towers.

Wednesday, Gov. Ned Lamont and state Transportation Deputy Commissioner Laoise King today announced that Gilbane Development Company and New York City-based MURAL Real Estate Partners have been selected to lead the project, excepted to be done in phases beginning in late 2026.

Providence, RI-based Gilbane describes itself a "leading global builder and real estate developer."

Lamont said the project will bring "new housing, retail, and jobs just steps from rail, bus, and bike connections."

The project is made up of 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, it was shared in a news briefing.

Construction will be completed in two phases: the first scheduled to begin in late 2026 and be completed by early 2028 and the second phase will start in August 2029 and wrap up by November 2031.

"This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking development we need to see more of in Connecticut," Lamont said. "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 DOT described the project as part of a "larger strategy to reimagine underused state land at transit hubs across the state."

"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," King said.

Ed Broderick, CEO of Gilbane called the project his company will be building "transformative ."

“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,” he said. "This is precisely the kind of visionary development that helps combat the housing crisis and reconnect communities."

New York City-based MURAL Real Estate Partners' founder and CEO Robin Zeigler called Union Station "one of New Haven’s most iconic and important places of connection."

"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," Zeigler said.

In addition to this transit-oriented development project underway in New Haven, the state DOT will issue a request for proposal this summer for another transit-oriented development project in Stamford.

The state DOT 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, Lamont said.