After Years of Planning and Work, Depot Crossing Finally Set to Move Forward

For the past six years, residents have watched as a mixed-use development along Farmington Avenue has sat unfinished. Paper hangs along the side of the building – and has for years – a reminder of the vacant three-floor construction project that was never completed.

In January, work is set to begin again after members of the Berlin Planning and Zoning Commission last week approved a measure allowing for CIL Development to move forward with the project, provided a grant from the town is used to address issues commissioners had with the siding that would be used.

The Dec. 12 approval marked what officials said they hope will be the final step in completing a project that will help transform the downtown area. The building will go through over $1 million in renovations, allowing for a state-of-the-art commercial and residential complex that will serve as the cornerstone of the revitalization project.

“The company plans to renovate the building as a mixed-use building, with the first floor occupied by businesses,” CIL President and CEO Martin Legault said, according to meeting minutes.

Under the plan approved, CIL will complete construction with 16 residential units on the top two floors, attracting additional residents to town who would be less likely to need services and more likely to spend money locally, he said.

The building’s façade, however, caught the attention of Planning and Zoning officials, several who expressed concerns regarding the plan to use vinyl siding on the top half of the building. The bottom of the building will be built with a red, fiber cement lap siding and Berlin Town Planner Hellyn Riggins said she wanted to see it “more consistent.”

Ultimately, the plan passed when Economic Development Director Jim Mahoney promised that the issue would be addressed, partially with the assistance of the town’s streetscape grant program.

Looking for more? Take a look back at the timeline of work related to the project.

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