10-Story, 99-Room Extended Stay Hotel Approved In Stamford

STAMFORD, CT — A long-vacant lot in downtown Stamford will be developed into a 10-story, 99-room extended stay hotel.

The Stamford Zoning Board last week granted approval for the project located at 0 West Park Place in between Curley's Diner and a two-story mixed-use building, but with several conditions that must be met first.

Notably, applicant Tullamore LLC, which is affiliated with the project's developer, Greenwich-based Wellbuilt Company, must revise plans for a shared driveway and sidewalk on the eastern side of the property to include a physical barrier between vehicular traffic and pedestrians. The Zoning Board recommended adding bollards.

The applicant must also revise landscape plans along the east side of the property, among other routine asks.

During a public hearing on Jan. 6, residents cited concerns about parking, construction and disruption to nearby businesses.

However, Stamford Downtown Special Services District President Michael Moore said the hotel would enhance the area.

"The project offers an innovative approach to achieving an infill development on a long vacant site," he said last month. "The project reinforces the growing hotel lodging economy in downtown by supporting corporate travel, additional tourism and visitors to UConn-Stamford."

Stamford Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Heather Cavanagh submitted a letter of support, saying the project would "stimulate the economy" and bring new jobs to the city.

Stephanie Odenath, the director of development for Wellbuilt Company, said during the hearing that the hotel would help build downtown vitality. She specifically mentioned plans for a ground floor retail space and the addition of "dynamic food tenants."

The applicant's attorney, Lisa Feinberg of Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP, spoke about Wellbuilt Company and their reputation in the community.

The developer has overseen several projects in the city, most recently the residential buildings The Stillwater at 57 Stillwater Ave., and The Lafayette at 819 E. Main St.

"They're a local developer with roots in the community, and they really try to approach each of their projects with the same civic mindset of being a value-add where they choose to work," Odenath said.

According to documents associated with the proposal, the lot has been vacant for several decades. Tullamore LLC is the contract purchaser of the property, which was owned by the Urban Redevelopment Commission.