If you’re like most Westporters, you figured the construction at 251-253 Riverside Avenue — at the foot of Sylvan Lane, on the left just before JR’s Deli heading toward I-95 — had something to do with the nondescript office building nearby. You didn’t give it a second glance.
The next time you drive past, you will.
Last week, Christine Finch Oleynick showed the finished product to the world. Well, to at least a few dozen very interested fellow realtors, and potential renters.
The renovation of a former office building flew way under the radar. It’s now 8 apartments — 2 and 3- bedrooms, right on the Saugatuck River.
The Anchorage (right) hugs the Saugatuck River.
Six are market rate: $10,500 to $12,500 a month (unfurnished). The other 2 are deemed affordable, according to state formulas.
As Westport debates large apartment complexes — some planned, some already under construction — at sites like the train station, Hiawatha Lane and Post Road West, smaller ones are cropping up all around town.
Think of the new units near Pizza Lyfe and Lyfe Café, for example.
But it’s doubtful any have the river views of “The Anchorage at Saugatuck.”
The view from the kitchen (virtually staged) …
With floor to ceiling windows, and balconies hanging almost over the water, these take advantage of the Saugatuck River in a way Westport seldom sees.
The Bridge at Saugatuck restaurant, Saugatuck Rowing Club and Rive Bistro all pay homage to the river. There’s a riverwalk at the medical complex. But this renovation has gone out of its way to maximize its location.
… and a bedroom (also virtually staged).
Standing in the unfurnished living rooms and bedrooms, and on the balconies — looking both upriver and downriver, with a turn of the head — I saw and considered the Saugatuck in a way I’d never done before.
The renovation is almost complete. Still to come: electric car chargers, and $75,000 worth of landscaping.
Views from the deck are both downriver …
Oleynick hopes the first tenants can move in around June 15. The Anchorage has elicited plenty of interest, from residents looking to downsize, New Yorkers looking for a weekend home, even folks looking for a rental while their own home is being renovated. All rentals are for 1 or 2 years.
… and upriver. (All photos courtesy of MLS Smart)
I’m not looking to move. I’m happy where I am. And — go figure — the price range is a little beyond what I can afford.
I must admit, though: I was intrigued. I began imagining myself in The Anchorage, on the river.
But then I looked out from one of the bedrooms, which I could convert to an office.
I know I can’t live there.
With those views of the river, I’d never get any work done.
(To learn more about The Anchorage at Saugatuck, click here.)
(“06880” regularly covers real estate — and much more, including everything Saugatuck River related. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
