Building Types and Configurations

Such a large development area necessitates flexibility and diversity of building types.  While some project areas lend themselves to a particularly suitable use, other areas are more flexible.

Ultimately, market forces will influence development of the Meriden Green and Commercial Center.  To develop the master plan, a market evaluation of current demand for various development types was performed.  The market evaluation highlighted the need for a variety of uses.  Although time will impact the market evaluation, a diversity of uses is an important concept to retain.

Mixed-use developments are those that integrate a variety of compatible retail, office, and often residential components.  These developments lend vibrancy to an area by their diversity, live-work opportunities and 24-hour occupancy.  Such building arrangements have helped to create livable communities for centuries. 

Transportation improvements are designed to simplify traffic patterns as well as to greatly enhance the gateways to the downtown area.  Buildings visible from these gateway locations therefore serve the important role of foreshadowing development that will be seen as one proceeds through the project area. 

Key gateway locations include East Main St. at Pratt St., and State St. at Camp St. Buildings readily visible from these locations should be designed with recognition of this important gateway function.

Additionally, the relocated State Street is intended to serve as a primary commercial corridor.  Buildings fronting State Street give form and visual limits to this streetscape.  The master plan depicts a new State Street corridor with a number of buildings similar in scale and massing with a uniform setback.

Building heights along State Street should transition from lower heights (fewer stories) near Camp Street and Pratt Street intersections to taller heights (more stories) between these intersections.  Along State Street, buildings no taller than four stories or forty-eight feet in height should be used.

Buildings along State Street should have entries that respond to State Street as well as to parking areas located at the rear.  Larger buildings or tenants may have entries on both sides, while smaller shops or offices may have entries on one side. 

An uninterrupted, straight front façade of buildings along State Street should be avoided.  Uninviting reflective and deeply tinted windows should be avoided, particularly on first floor retail storefronts.  Pedestrian corridors, recessed entries, building projections, awnings and columns are details to articulate the front facades of these buildings.

Gaps between buildings should be developed as inviting pedestrian areas linking the street façade with parking located behind.  Street-level storefronts, outdoor dining, and landscape features should animate these corridors.