WIND COMPANY TO SET UP SHOP ON BANK STREET IN NL

New London — The joint venture of Danish offshore wind giant Ørsted and partner Eversource, the companies negotiating with the state on a $93 million public-private partnership to transform State Pier, hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking Thursday at the site for its new Connecticut office.

The companies are funding a renovation project on the top two floors of 42 Bank St., the home of Muddy Waters Café. The building is owned by Barry Neistat and wife Susan Devlin, who also own and operate Muddy Waters. Neistat said the building, which was built in 1830 and initially housed a hardware store, has been in his family for 80 years.

The 3,000-square feet of space will include two conference spaces and private offices. The companies signed a lease in December and expect to be in New London for at least five years. Renovations are expected to be completed in 2020, including structural repairs and construction of a back deck.

David Preka, president of Mystic-based Advanced Group, is performing the work.

“The governor, port authority, city and local industry leaders have been fantastic partners, and we are looking forward to beginning constructions on Connecticut’s first offshore wind projects,” Thomas Brostrøm, president of Ørsted North America, said in a statement. “It’s time to set up a permanent presence for the (joint venture) in New London and I can think of no better place than in a historic downtown building with views of State Pier.”