Stamford Initiates Study To Reimagine Lathon Wider Site

STAMFORD, CT — The city of Stamford recently announced the initiation of the Reimagine Lathon Wider Study, focusing on establishing a transformative "civic campus" at the Lathon Wider Community Center site located in Stamford's South End Neighborhood.

As a result, a public workshop will occur on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023, at the Lathon Wider Building in the community room.

"We are eager to learn and hear feedback from the community about creative ways we can leverage this public space to better serve the surrounding neighborhood," said Mayor Caroline Simmons in a news release.

This study aims to reinvigorate and enhance the site's connection to the surrounding neighborhood, offering diverse community services, according to a news release

The Lathon Wider site, spanning approximately 2.54 acres, includes the community center building, basketball courts, a playground, and a parking lot and is bordered by Henry Street, Pacific Street, Woodland Avenue, and Atlantic Street. The study is a result of the $145,000 grant from the state.

"The Lathon Wider Community Center is an anchor for the South End community. The city's goal for this study is to ensure the center continues to serve the community well into the future," noted Land Use Bureau Chief Ralph Blessing in a news release.

The study is built around a multifaceted approach, including a thorough site analysis, extensive community outreach, an architectural competition, and a detailed summarizing report. It is designed to create actionable and viable plans for phased development, allowing gradual implementation as funds become available.

Vigorous stakeholder engagement is central, involving residents, businesses, and community groups through various strategies to ensure broad input, consensus on recommendations, and local commitment.

An architectural competition is organized with a first prize of $15,000, second prize of $7,000, and third prize of $3,000 for conceptual designs of the new building.

The study team will host an Instagram contest that seeks to capture residents' viewpoints on the site's essential elements, emphasizing which architectural components to preserve and connections to the neighborhood.

For more information click here.