Darien Commons has become the first of the town’s three major redevelopment projects to announce that it has started renting apartments to new residents.
Federal Realty Investment Trust, the owner of the multi-acre development across from Noroton Heights Railroad Station, says 58 homes are now available to rent — just over half of the 112 apartments that will eventually become available.
“Our first residents are now able to see our vision for this location — and are enjoying some of the conveniences and luxuries we have built in,” said Patrick McMahon, senior vice president, regional development for Federal Realty.
Picture from Federal Realty's Darien Commons
Darien Commons: Apartments to Let.
In its announcement, Federal Realty said new residents can enjoy such features of the property as a guest suite, a communal dining area with entertainment kitchen and beer tap, curated lending library “with everything from household items to an Xbox and electric scooters,” a landscaped courtyard with grills, a 24-hour fitness center and work-from-home spaces. Tenants have on-site surface parking and walking access to stores.
The company has announced new retail leases to Choice Pet, One Medical, OVME, Salt & Sweat, and Warby Parker. Previously announced retail tenants include dining, takeout, wellness, beauty and other stores, such as Glosslab, Gregory’s, Molto, Naya, Oath Pizza, Seamore’s, Solidcore, sweetgreen, Tartinery, and Van Leeuwen. The development, still under construction, eventually will have 110,000 square feet of retail space.
Federal Realty says it’s goal for Darien Commons is to have a “mix of national and local retail and dining options.”
The Latest Retail Additions
Choice Pet: Holistic, organic, raw and natural foods, treats and chews along with pet products
One Medical: A membership-based primary care practice.
OVME: This will be the first Connecticut location for this “bespoke selection of minimally invasive cosmetic services” and products for sale.
Salt & Sweat: A Westchester County-based high-end wellness studio with services and products including infrared saunas, infrared wraps, EMSculpt, Ballaner Pro Lymphatic Drainage, Salt Therapy, Cryoskin and massage.
Warby Parker: Providing yeglasses, sunglasses, contacts, and eye exams
Federal Realty has an online rendering of the development here.
“As additional retailers come on-line, the benefits of living here will continue to expand creating a dynamic neighborhood,” McMahon said.
Retailers Still On-Site or Nearby
Walgreens previously moved from its old site to a 12,000-square-foot space in a new building in the development, right next door, and buildings housing the Equinox gym (recently renovated) and Citibank remain where they were.
Other retail tenants and neighboring businesses that remain open on abutting properties include Chase Bank, Edward Jones, Vavala’s Deli, Sanda’s Cleaners, Dolce Nails, Leary’s Liquor Cabinet and TLC Hair Designs. Palmer’s Market and some other businesses remain open right across Edgerton Street, although the redevelopment project on the other side of the supermarket has been stalled.
About Federal Realty
Federal Realty owns and operates 105 properties for retail tenants mostly on the east and west coasts, in and around cities from Washington, D.C. to Boston as well as San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Founded in 1962, the company designs and builds urban, mixed-use neighborhoods combining shopping, dining, living and working spaces. The company says it rents space to about 3,100 business tenants in 25 million square feet, along with about 3,400 residential units.