Kingswood Oxford Sells Museum Land To Continental Properties

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Kingswood Oxford School Tuesday today announced that it has reached an agreement to sell property adjacent to its campus on Trout Brook Drive to Continental Properties. Continental then announced plans to redevelop the property with "a modern luxury rental" community.

"I am happy to say that after a comprehensive search, working with John Cafasso, Ian Hunt and their team at Colliers International, we have selected Continental Properties,” Kingswood Oxford Head of School Tom Dillow said.

The sale price was not disclosed in a news release. KO kicked off the search for a new owner for the property, which currently hosts The Children’s Museum of Connecticut, last January after Museum officials renewed plans to seek a new location.

"We believe Continental's vision will fit harmoniously on the property and be an important engine of growth for the Town of West Hartford," Dillow said. "The proceeds from this sale will help Kingswood Oxford meet our strategic goals of attracting and retaining great teachers, developing innovative academic and co- curricular programs and providing greater access for talented students. We are also excited for what the future holds for our friends at The Children’s Museum."

The Children’s Museum has been located at the Trout Brook site since 1958. In 2002, the museum began searching for a new home, sold its property to KO, and has thereafter leased the property from Kingswood Oxford.

"We"re happy to support Kingswood Oxford's sale of their property as we focus on The Children’s Museum's next chapter," said Michael Werle, the executive director of The Children’s Museum. “Our future looks bright."

Werle said museum officials will be making a decision shortly on both temporary and permanent locations for the museum and preschool.

"West Hartford is a wonderful community and we’re looking forward to working with town staff and stakeholders to bring a beautiful new walkable residential community to the edge of West Hartford Center," said Howard S. Rappaport, a principal of Continental Properties. "We also look forward to meeting with our neighbors to present our plans, answer questions and address concerns."

Continental Properties is a privately owned real estate firm primarily focused on development, redevelopment, and management of residential and commercial real estate. Founded more than 65 years ago, Continental Properties has built 25,000-plus residences throughout New Jersey, New York, Florida, Connecticut, California and other locations. The company is among the largest residential building and development organizations in the United States.

Continental is at the early stage of reviewing potential layouts and architecture and will be consulting with West Hartford’s Design Review Advisory Committee and town officials.

A formal application to the Town is expected later this spring or early summer.