It is difficult to miss the flurry of activity occurring around Trumbull as the town positions itself as a regional destination point. This summer, a number of projects are either underway or engaged in the approval process, and new tenants are entering the scene.
The most visible changes are developing at Westfield Trumbull Shopping Park and Downtown Trumbull Center. More subtle but fairly significant changes are quietly sprouting up in other parts of town.
With a backdrop of a fabulous fireworks display, Westfield recently unveiled a preview of the new shopping park. Working around the clock, Westfield Trumbull's exciting revitalization program is on track for completion this fall 2010. The $40 million complete interior remodel and upgrade program will bring an elegant new atmosphere and enhanced retail offerings to firmly position Westfield Trumbull as Fairfield County's premium shopping destination.
Westfield's comprehensive program involves remodeling the entire center. Everything patrons see and touch is changing. They will immediately notice a fully remodeled dining terrace including a complete redesign of the space extending into the adjacent specialty retail space. The new bistro-style dining terrace will feature a communal dining area under a stunning atrium with natural light, sleek design, stylish seating and contemporary new storefronts for 11 eateries. Additional restaurants are eventually expected to fill spaces at major doorways.
Complete remerchandising will accommodate a range of retail from affordable luxury to everyday basics. Retail districting will allow shoppers to navigate easily between fashion, family, junior and food and entertainment offerings.
Initially, the line up of new tenants coming to the shopping park this fall will include Teavana, Sephora, LA Fitness, and Panera Bread. Additional tenants are in discussions and as the renovation continues toward completion, so will new leasing agreements.
Simultaneously, Downtown Trumbull Center is causing heads to turn. Phase 1 of the downtown revitalization project is almost complete and includes a total exterior remodeling of the building that houses the O Bar Restaurant. The building's new look is modeled after a charming New England village. In addition, new brick sidewalks and colonial lighting have been installed across the way and frame the center along White Plains Rd. Excited residents have recently been known to spontaneously stop just to compliment Trumbull Center owners on the work done to-date, and they are delighted to learn that the center will continue to be dramatically improved over time.
Phase II of Downtown Trumbull Center's revitalization project will begin later this summer and will entail exterior facelifts for two more buildings. The first is the building that houses Webster Bank and Frances' Bakery along Daniel's Farm Rd. Although the changes will not be dramatic, they will help create a more appealing New England charm. More dramatic improvements will be made to the second building of the project. Along with a new roof, dormers and copulas, there will also be an extended overhang which will shelter a patio for outdoor seating and a more pedestrian-friendly walkway created for the building which currently houses Courtesy Carpet.
Downtown Trumbull Center will continue renovating and transforming additional buildings and center components later this year and into 2011. Upon completion, no two buildings will be the same in the center, yet each will strategically relate to the overall colonial village look. The center will be more pedestrian and nature-friendly as green spaces, walkways, and landing points are added. The center will also attempt to tie in the river that flows behind it as well as the nearby walking trails.
As pending plans are revealed and work is completed, residents are embracing Trumbull Center and have acquired a renewed sense of pride for its downtown.
On Rte. 111, passers by may notice the walls of the Home Depot building are now erect. Construction of the building is ahead of schedule and the official opening is expected by March 2011 at the latest. Shortly after opening, property owners expect to construct a small retail building on the same parcel of land which will complement the Home Depot use.
The significant renovations of the Trumbull Shopping Park and Downtown Trumbull Center, combined with the new development on Rte. 111 will significantly and positively impact the town and the region. They will serve as an economic linchpin for future economic growth and revitalization across the community. Upon completion, we expect to see unparalleled development over the next few years.

Deborah Cox is director of economic development for the Town of Trumbull.