Oxford Town Center - Oxford, CTOxford, CT Haynes Development Company based in Seymour, earned the Connecticut Economic Resource Center (CERC) 2015 Celebrate Connecticut award for Quarry Walk – Oxford’s Town Center mixed-use retail project. This award recognizes a broad range of individuals, companies and programs that have uniquely contributed to economic growth in Connecticut.
“The $70 million economic development project will create a defined town center and provide the community access to key goods and services, including its first grocery story and a regional health care provider. It is also expected to include a pharmacy, automotive service center, restaurants, retail stores and feature a 1.5-mile network of walking trails. The 32-acre project is unique because it brings Transportation Oriented Development concepts to a rural area in a unique way and represents a major, transformative project for the community,” said Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments executive director Rick Dunne.
The first building, Newtown Savings Bank branch, began construction in August 2015, while the anchor grocer, Market 32 by Price Chopper broke ground on October 5th, both anticipate grand openings in June, 2016.
“It is a very rare opportunity that a project such as Quarry Walk is able to meet so many of a Town’s needs. Quarry Walk will be a life and leisure experience; where vision, economic development and community come together to create a uniquely special place. As Oxford’s Town Center, Quarry Walk will include an unparalleled grocery market, pharmacy, bank, mixed retail, variety of restaurants, community green, “post office,” 1.5 miles of walking trails, 150 residential units, and so much more,” said Haynes Development owner, Tom Haynes.
Haynes Development intends to work in partnership with the Town to plan for the future needs of Oxford and the surrounding region, including a state-of-the-art Griffin Hospital anchored Medical Office Building. “Oxford will have its own “Wise and Well Center,” a truly distinguishing competitive advantage offering convenient access to healthcare and resources for Oxford residents and surrounding communities’ alike. We are truly honored to have been nominated for this award and are delighted to be this years’ recipient,” said Haynes.
Both Market 32 by Price Chopper the anchor grocer, and Newtown Savings Bank, a 160-year community bank will be opening June 2016. In addition to the Griffin Hospital based Medical Office Building and community green, Market 32 and Griffin Hospital are collaborating on a cooking school. In addition, there will be a 1.5 mile walking trail around the perimeter of the center, created from fabulous stone walls drawing pedestrian traffic for many miles around. Haynes Development is also planning for a “doggy park” adjacent to the walking trails, truly making this a destination for all.
Quarry Walk has been approved for 150 open market residential units providing a built-in customer base and plans include for a childcare center as well. There will be a large green in the marketplace, where events will be programmed such as concerts, fairs, community events, etc. Quarry Walk will be the hub of activity, the place “to be!” Quarry Walk will have both traditional and non-traditional elements. From a community green with granite curbing, brick and stone walkways to a cutting edge bank design that will feel more like an “iPhone store.”
Located along commuter Rte. 67 between Rte. 84 in Southbury and Rte. 8 in Seymour, Quarry Walk will provide for a “third place,” a centralized place for commerce and socialization. A place where people of all ages will come to live, work, shop and simply relax and enjoy life, said Kathryn Ekstrom, development manager. They are extremely excited about the future of Quarry Walk.