Looking back at 2009, the Town of Trumbull experienced several shining moments. This year, we're focused on building on what we've started, and expanding our opportunities.
Officials were elated when the town won esteemed recognition from Money Magazine and Relocate America by making their Top 100 Best Places lists. They were also very pleased to be included in Connecticut Magazine's Top 10 Best Mid-sized Towns in the state.
Sun Products, provider of laundry detergent and household cleaning products such as 'all', Wisk, Snuggle and Sun, signed a long-term lease on Trefoil Dr. for a new research and development facility. The deal involved a significant investment to create an advanced technology research center. With the market increasingly more competitive, Sun incorporated the highest available technology into their facility which is designed to focus on interactions with consumers and development of better performing products. A grand opening of the new technology center will take place this month.
CooperSurgical's new North American headquarters has just been completed by RD Scinto. The building is an impressive modern glass structure nested among boulders and trees atop Corporate Dr. with an impressive panoramic view. The company now occupies three buildings in Trumbull, and they are positioned for expected growth in the women's health, diagnostic and treatment equipment industry.
Westfield Mall began construction on their $35 million renovation project. The project scope expanded from the original $25 million proposal and entails a complete head-to-toe makeover with technology-based enhancements, upscale façade improvements, new dining venue and choices, and luxury retail. The designs are unique and feature a more upscale and family-friendly focus. The grand reopening is expected in November of 2010.
Trumbull center's revitalization efforts started in October. Brick sidewalks now pave the way to frame the shopping district. Decorative street lights will be installed this spring, and visitors will notice new building facades appearing in phases beginning this winter. The center boasts some new stores and a restaurant, and others are currently being courted. The owners plan additional revitalization phases in 2010 and beyond.
In 2010, the town is putting a strong emphasis on developing, revitalizing, and filling vacancies. The main areas of focus are the primary retail centers, Reservoir Ave.'s industrial park, Trumbull Corporate Park, and the Rte. 111 Corridor.
Westfield Mall and Trumbull Center are critical projects involving major investments. They will not only involve work on the centers themselves, but also neighboring properties. Homes located across from Westfield Mall have recently become part of a new Design District Zone and are currently being considered for conversion into small professional offices.
Trumbull Corporate Park, located off Rte. 8, provides a highly sophisticated infrastructure to companies such as Unilever and Sentinel Data Centers who operate their technology and data centers there. This year, Trumbull's Economic Development will help form a Trumbull Industrial Park Association to bring tenants and building owners together to network and share ideas.
The Reservoir Ave. Corridor houses one of Trumbull's critical industrial parks, and is the home of Cannon's newly acquired Oce North America, along with companies like Affinion Group, Kennedy Center, and Avery Abrasives. The area also holds developable parcels of commercially-zoned land, including a 17-acre, an 8-acre, and a 3-acre lot which will be marketed aggressively.
The Rte. 111 Corridor, often referred to as the healthcare corridor, is home to numerous healthcare related professionals and businesses, including CooperSurgical, United Healthcare, the Medical Arts Building, Scan Tool, and Connecticut Children's Medical. A six acre and five acre parcel of land are available for build-to-suit development in this area.
In addition to office space, Rte. 111 also provides for some interesting retail development. In fact, Home Depot has begun site work atop an 11-acre hill on Rte. 111. The store expects to open in early 2011.
The town consistently proves to be an excellent location for businesses. Commercially developed areas are primarily found adjacent to major highways near the exterior borders of town, making it particularly convenient for commuters, business travelers, and customers. Trumbull's infrastructure is sophisticated and well suited to support the needs of all types of business, and Trumbull is particularly noted for its high quality of life standards.
As noted by Relocate America, Connecticut Magazine and Money Magazine, Trumbull is a great place to live, work and grow a business, and vacancies and development opportunities are available.
Deborah Cox is director of economic development for the Town of Trumbull.