Rocky Hill gets state funding for Ames headquarters site
Town center village with residences, shops envisioned
ROCKY HILL — The state Bond Commission awarded the town of Rocky Hill $500,000 to help revitalize the former Ames headquarters site and transform it into what town officials hope becomes a town center village with a mix of housing and shops.
“It’s a project that’s been near and dear to my heart,” Mayor Lisa Marotta said Friday after learning of the award. “It’s been a top priority and I’m delighted to add this funding opportunity.”
The funding was secured by state Rep. Kerry Wood, a Democrat, whose district includes Newington, Rocky Hill and Wethersfield.
Wood said in a release Friday that the property has also been an important priority for her given its central location, years of sitting dormant and getting it back on the tax rolls.
“After many discussions on priorities for the town, there was no question that the Ames property redevelopment was top on the list,” Wood said. “We will create hundreds of construction jobs as well as permanent jobs and greatly increase the tax base on a property that has long been dormant.
Our downtown will have more interconnectivity and truly be a wonderful place to live, work, and recreate.”
The property has been vacant and has had no redevelopment activity for at least 15 years, according to Raymond Carpentino, the town’s economic development director.
The site includes land totaling approximately 12.16 acres and a 225,000 square-foot building, most recently used for corporate offices for Ames department store, which employed up to 1,500 people at its prime, Carpentino said.
Prior to Ames, the site was used for a gas station/auto repair shop, a dry cleaners, a grocery and department store. The initial building was constructed in 1965 and subsequent additions were built as late as 1987-91 to comprise the current total area, he said.
Carpentino said the site also includes approximately 9acres of paved parking and vehicle access areas.
“The project is a complete redevelopment of the site: demolition of the building and parking lot into a residential mixed-use development,” he said.
Marotta said the town is also seeking brownfields grants from state agencies for up to $2 million to aid with demolition of the site and that it has revised its tax abatement policies to incentivize developers.
“It’s a very expensive project,” said Marotta, adding that demolition costs could reach $1 million.
Marotta said the town is working with the property owner and a developer, who is under contract, but added that discussions are in early stages with the developer.
Wood also secured $400,000 in funding for updates to Elm Ridge Park, Rocky Hill’s signature outdoor entertainment and sports space. It includes ball fields, a skate park, basketball courts, pools, a pavilion, dog park, walking trails, and an amphitheater. The town rents various parts of the park to the public and recreation leagues to help support the upkeep of park.
The funding will be used for upgrades to help manage the increase in demand for use, which increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.