Tag Archives: David Waldman

This Old House: Yesterday, Tomorrow — And Today

Posted on October 11, 2013 | 15 comments

Matthew Mandell sends along this fascinating 1914 photo of the Kemper Gunn House:

Kemper Gunn 1

Already nearly 30 years old, it sat handsomely on the corner of Church Lane and Elm Street.

On the opposite side of Elm Street we see the Methodist Church (now Seabury Center).

And just west of the church is — whoa! — another house. It’s located in what is now the Baldwin Parking Lot — almost the same spot where David Waldman has offered to move the Kemper Gunn House, when he develops the new Bedford Square project.

Here’s a rendering of how the house would look, in its new location:

Kemper Gunn 2

This view is on Elm Street, looking east. The Kemper Gunn House is on the left, across from Villa del Sol restaurant (right).

Meanwhile, this sign sits outside the Kemper Gunn House, at 35 Church Lane:

Kemper Gunn 3

It reminds everyone that the RTM will meet on Tuesday, October 22 to decide the fate of this old — and suddenly controversial — house.

15 Comments

Posted in Downtown, Local politics, Looking back, Restaurants

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Save The Children: Bedford Square West?

Posted on August 29, 2013 | 34 comments

The opening of Bartaco has opened up the west bank of the Saugatuck River. A couple of nearby restaurants are coming soon; across the Post Road, Arezzo is drawing big crowds (despite limited parking).

Now there’s more good news.

As reported first on WestportNow.com, David Waldman has signed a contract to buy the Save the Children property next to Bartaco, on Wilton Road.

That’s 2.59 acres of prime riverfront property. Though Save the Children is an internationally known, very important non-profit, it doesn’t need that great location to do its good deeds. For a while now, the headquarters — previously Famous Artists Schools — has looked a bit dumpy.

Waldman will fix that.

Save the Children's Wilton Road headquarters.

Save the Children’s Wilton Road headquarters.

Though sometimes controversial, his recent track record is impressive. He turned a dilapidated but historic Federal-style home into the wildly popular Spotted Horse restaurant, and breathed new life into what is now Urban Outfitters.

Now he’s remaking the other side of Church Lane. Bedford Square will bring a mix of retail, residential and office space to this vital but previously underutilized area of downtown.

It’s a project with plenty of moving parts. Throughout the long approval process, Waldman has listened to concerns — of taxpayers and town officials — and adapted well. He’s shown an interest in preservation, while understanding the needs of a suburban town re-imagining its entire downtown.

Bedford Square loking east, up Church Lane toward Christ & Holy Trinity. The Spotted Horse is on the right.

Plans for Bedford Square looking east, up Church Lane toward Christ & Holy Trinity. The Spotted Horse is on the right.

Bedford Square has had hiccups. But Waldman has shown a willingness to adapt, and a flexibility sometimes missing in past developments — his, and others.

I believe Waldman will show similar creativity and concern for his new Save the Children property. This is an enormous opportunity to remake a very cool, very important — and very overlooked — part of Westport.

I have no idea what Waldman will propose. I don’t know whether he bought the building and land because he already has a plan, or if he just realized the location, location, location was superb.

But I have faith he’ll turn it into something Westport can be proud of, and use to full advantage.

Waldman is a Westporter. His heart is here. That’s good news indeed for the future of our entire downtown.

Do you have a vision for the future use of Save the Children? Click “Comments” — and remember, full names please!

34 Comments

Posted in Downtown, Local business, People, Restaurants

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“Mature” Trees And A Younger Downtown

Posted on June 25, 2013 | 10 comments

Judy James is worried about trees.

Last week, she emailed the Planning and Zoning Commission (with a cc to the Historic District Commission).

Judy — a longtime Westporter — expressed her “dismay at the lack of concern for the preservation of trees when presented with development plans within our commercial districts.” She referred to plans for Bedford Square — the YMCA-area complex — that eliminates mature trees on Church Lane.

A tree in front of the "Gunn House" (35 Church Lane) that will probably not survive the Bedford Square project.

A tree in front of the “Gunn House” (35 Church Lane) that will probably not survive the Bedford Square project.

“Replacement landscaping with grasses and small trees that won’t reach maturity until most adult residents have passed is simply not acceptable. Commercial owners who have the privilege of living and developing one of the most desirable downtown locations in the northeast should accommodate the retention of their town’s living history,” she said.

Referencing the removal of sycamores earlier this year at the site of the former Brook Cafe, she urged the P&Z to “not approve this project and just let ‘staff’ decide at a later date what would be acceptable landscaping…. As many of these mature trees as possible must be retained.”

Another possibly endangered tree -- this one in front of the YMCA.

Another possibly endangered tree — this one in front of the YMCA.

David Waldman is developing Bedford Square into stores, apartments and offices. I asked him to respond.

David said:

I am familiar with the letter and understand her position. Unfortunately, in order to accommodate the need for underground parking, wider pedestrian- friendly tree-lined sidewalks, street lamps and more importantly the already fully approved design and site plan by the HDC and Architectural Review Board,  the trees will have to be removed.

We will add 16 new trees (clearly not as old and mature as the 6 that exist on the sites today), but in a quantity much greater than exists today. In addition, there will be numerous planting beds, landscape planters, benches, public art, public parks and gathering spaces, pedestrian passages from Elm, Church, Post  and Main and much more.

The proposed intersection of Church Lane and Elm Street. David Waldman says, "I understand these renderings show the trees after year of growth. It is our intention to plant appropriately sized trees in the beginning, not saplings or tiny ones."

The proposed intersection of Church Lane and Elm Street. David Waldman says, “I understand these renderings show the trees after year of growth. It is our intention to plant appropriately sized trees in the beginning, not saplings or tiny ones.”

As developers we always try and retain as much history as possible. We have shown this in our current plan to retain the historic Bedford mansion and firehouse, as well as the work I have done with Patagonia, Urban Outfitters and Spotted Horse.

When we built the Spotted Horse, we removed 5 -6 very large tress and no one said a peep. Hopefully, the end result will be something all of Westport can be proud of.

A rendering of Church Lane. The Spotted Horse is at the left; the former YMCA is on the right.

A rendering of Church Lane. The Spotted Horse is at the left; the former YMCA is on the right.

Our team and all the commissions we have obtained approvals from to date are very pleased and proud with the new design that we (developers, residents, commission, HDC, ARB and many other groups) have collectively created. We feel by listening to all those interested groups, we have come up with a much better project.

Certainly, the Spotted Horse has added both energy and architectural spirit to Church Lane.

Plans for the rest of the area — including widening Church Lane and its sidewalks, and “fixing” its tough intersection with the Post Road — show plenty of greenery. True, it’s not all “mature” — but isn’t part of the problem with downtown that it’s a bit long in the tooth?

10 Comments

Posted in Downtown, Local business, People, YMCA

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Ah, Progress!

Posted on November 1, 2011 | 12 comments

Once upon a time, the anchor tenant of Playhouse Square was Derma Clinic:

Soon it will be the post office:

David Waldman, where are you when we need you?

12 Comments

Posted in Downtown, Local business

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David Waldman’s Request

Posted on October 25, 2011 | 83 comments

David Waldman sent “06880” the particulars of his recent zoning change request:

On Thursday October 20th, the partners of Bedford Square submitted to the Planning and Zoning Commission a request to change the zoning on 35 Church Lane from RORD to BCD.

Our partnership purchased the property in late 2010 with the hopes of combining it with our redevelopment of the old YMCA and Fire House.  The re-zoning is just the first of several steps required to achieve our ultimate goal; a sustainable development with the proper density, scale, character and diversity of uses (commercial and residential) which would help to create a more vibrant downtown, day and night.

35 Church Lane

Although we made a clear presentation to the commission, it is evident from the public comments that there is a still some confusion as to what we are requesting. Below are the key points of our request:

1) Whether the property is zoned RORD or BCD, the same amount of commercial space would be allowed – the key difference is that we would be able to provide more residential in the BCD.

2) The zone change would allow us to build no more than 19,859 s/f in 2 separate buildings and each building could not be larger than 10,000 sf nor higher than 3 stories or 35 feet.

3) The zone change would allow us to create a single underground parking lot with over 100 parking spaces.

4) The zone changes allows for a natural and compatible infill to activities on both ends of Church Lane.

In summary, the benefits of our proposal and ultimately a zone change are:

• More on-site parking

• More downtown housing

• More downtown activity

• More tax revenue

• Compatibility with Town Plan objectives

We care deeply about the character of our town, the quality of our development and its overall success.  It is our goal to create something that enhances downtown Westport and stimulates activity at all times of the day.  This project on Church Lane and Elm Street will be something all residents and visitors to Westport will be proud to have in the Downtown area.

Sincerely,
David A. Waldman
On behalf of Bedford Square Associates LLC

83 Comments

Posted in Downtown, Local business, People

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Downtown Redevelopment: The Drama Heats Up

Posted on October 16, 2011 | 85 comments

David Waldman — a Westport native, and president of David Adam Realty — sent this email to “friends and colleagues.”

The subject line read:  “HELP – Please forward to anyone and eveyone you think supports our proposed zone chnage and future development and would be willing to participate – THANK YOU”

In it, Waldman outlines his proposals for a zoning change for 35 Church Lane (next to the Y); his vision for other nearby properties, and his thoughts on current and potential Planning and Zoning Commission members.

“06880′”s previous post on 35 Church Lane drew 95 comments.  This one might surpass that.

Friends and Colleagues,

I am sending this email with the hope that you will consider sending a letter to the Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission, similar in nature to the sample letters attached.  I have attached two versions, one for local landlords or business owners and one for residents (if you are not a resident I apologize but hope you will consider passing this on to your friends who live in Westport who would supportive of our zone change and future project).  Please feel free to modify this sample letter so it reflects your views (with the hope that those views are still supportive of our proposal).  We would also welcome personal supportive letters to the editors of the local papers prior to the meeting on the 20th.

Next week, on Thursday, October 20th, the partners of Bedford Square, of which I am one, are going in front of the board to seek approval to change the current zoning on 35 Church Lane from RORD to BCD.  Our partnership purchased the property in late 2010 with the hopes of combining it with our redevelopment of the YMCA.

35 Church Lane

The re-zoning is just the first step which would allow us to create a more vibrant project for the downtown area.  Assuming we are successful with the zone change, and subsequent public meetings to follow, the proposed project could have over 100 underground onsite parking spaces, 35+ residential units, substantial public space, courtyards, outdoor dining, pathways and connections from Elm Street, Church Lane and Main Street, as well as additional small shop retail, restaurant and office space moving down Church Lane and rounding the corner at Elm Street.

As part of the development team and a resident of Westport for over 40 years, I, as well as my partners, care deeply about the character of our town and its overall success.  We are well versed with how adaptive re-use and preservation can be achieved and complemented as well as the principals of smart growth and sustainability.

I am currently working on the restoration of 101-107 Post Road East (soon to be the new home of Urban Outfitters) as well as the restoration of 26-28 Church Lane (soon to be the home of a new restaurant owned and operated by the operators of the Grey Goose).  I was also involved with the restoration of 87 Post Road East (home to Patagonia and recipient of both local and federal preservation awards).  I was part of the development team which repurposed 125 Main Street(home to the new Gap and Brooks Brothers Women) and continue to work hard to make Downtown Westport a better, more vibrant and active place.

Work proceeds on the new Grey Goose restaurant on Church Lane, across from the Y.

I realize that many of you may have questions before you decide to send in a letter supporting our zone change and I would be happy to answer any of those questions either in person, by email or by phone.  If you are willing to send in a letter, please make sure it gets to Mr. Corwin before the meeting on the 20th.

Also, and equally as important, there is an upcoming election for the Planning and Zoning Commission which will help shape the future of the downtown area.  Three members of the current commission are stepping down opening up the opportunity for their seats to be occupied by potentially “obstructionist” members who do not understand change nor want it to occur.

In particular, Jack Whittle and Chip Stephens are these type of people.  If elected, they could impede the positive momentum our current commission has set in place.  They want the commission to remain a reactive body instead of a proactive body.

The other candidates, Jennifer Johnson, Catherine A. Walsh and Al Gratix are all reasonable, intelligent candidates who understand smart growth and want to create a successful, vibrant downtown.  For all those interested, there is a debate on Monday the 17th at town hall between all the candidates.  I believe this debate will be televised on Chanel 79.

Patagonia anchors the area of downtown embroiled in debate.

I implore you to get the word out about the candidates who should and deserve to fill the soon to be vacated seats on the P&Z.  In particular, Jennifer Johnson has a long and solid background in planning and, like Catherine and Al they want to see positive change in the downtown area.  They want to see our riverfront opened up to the public, they want to see vibrancy, an additional tax base to lessen the blow on residents.  They deserve your vote but need your help in ensure they can win.

Thank you again for your consideration.  Our project, like all the projects me and my partners have been involved with, will be of the highest quality in terms of material, diversity and sustainability and hopefully something all residents and visitors of Westpoer will be proud to have in the Downtown area.

Sincerely,

David A. Waldman
President
David Adam Realty, Inc
Suite 200
Westport CT 06880
203-221-8148 ext 220 (office)
203-856-9674 (cell)
David@davidadamrealty.com

85 Comments

Posted in Downtown, Local politics, People

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Home Sweet Home

Posted on December 5, 2010 | 14 comments

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.

His name is David Waldman.

The Westport developer — whose downtown properties include the Patagonia building and the YMCA — also owns the Church Lane house sitting handsomely across from the Y’s Weeks Pavilion entrance.

Handsomely, but decrepitedly.

The Church Lane property last spring...

Waldman had planned to demolish the early 1800s Federal-style home, to put up (cue Joni Mitchell) a parking lot.

But he changed his mind.

His new plan is to preserve the facade, while renovating the interior for a restaurant.  The building will be moved closer to the street; there’ll be outdoor seating, and a courtyard.  Office space will be available on the 2nd floor.

There may also be a pedestrian walkway, and redevelopment of the office building behind it on the Post Road.

A new restaurant in an old home — and sprucing up that small but important street — will help downtown.

...and plans for the future.

Meanwhile, maintaining — actually improving — the streetscape sends a crucial message that ripples far beyond Church Lane and the Post Road.

Old buildings count.  They’re worth saving.  If one of Westport’s biggest builders can find a way to save an old home downtown, some of our newest homeowners ought to be able to do the same everywhere else.

(The Historic District Commission and Architectural Review Board will review Waldman’s plan this Tuesday [Dec. 7], at 7 p.m. in Town Hall Room 201.)

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Posted in Downtown, People, Restaurants

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