Iconic New Haven Building Sold, Paves Way For Hotel Plans

NEW HAVEN, CT — The Pirelli Building on Long Wharf in New Haven has been sold in conjunction with plans to turn the property into a hotel, according to WTNH. The Sargent Drive building, which was owned by IKEA, was sold for $1.2 million to developer Bruce Becker.

The city has long sought to develop the vacant property next door to IKEA as part of the long-term redevelopment of the Long Wharf district.

The iconic Brutalist-style building was designed by Marcel Breuer and built in 1968. IKEA sought approval from the city for the plan to build a hotel with up to 165 rooms, The New Haven Independent reported.

Becker and IKEA have been in negotiations since winning the approval. Becker told The Independent that the goal is for the project to be a "net-zero boutique hotel and conference center."