NORWALK, Conn. – Norwalk politicians gathered Monday to express hope and confidence that SoNo is on the verge of a grand revitalization, with a promise to come back one year later and do it again.
The groundbreaking on “The Pearl,” a 66-apartment development at 99 Washington St., was marked by enthusiasm and high spirits.
“This is an amazing, amazing day,” Mayor Harry Rilling said. “I was down here the other night and I can say with all confidence, South Norwalk is on the way back. There are going to be lots and lots of people walking our streets.”
The Pearl is being built by F.D. Rich and Co. It will feature 154 parking spaces, to be used by both residents and the public, Tom Rich said. This will also include valet parking, which Rich said in March would help the local businesses.
Rich called it “another exciting addition to this very special neighborhood that we affectionately refer to as SoNo,” which will help make it one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Fairfield County.
Rilling referred to the newly built Ironworks SoNo, and the imminent arrival of new residents. It’s amazing how many people are visiting the new restaurant, Harlan Publick, and then walking the street, he said. He also promoted the expected opening of Washington Prime, another restaurant in Ironworks.
“It’s going to be an amazing complex,” Rilling said, of The Pearl. “I can’t wait to come down here and cut the ribbon when it opens up.”
Rich said that would be in a year.
State Sen. Bob Duff (D-25) mentioned the vision for SoNo back in the ’70’s and ’80’s.
“South Norwalk is like a great piece of art. It’s really unfinished. Sometimes you need to continue to work at it to make it even more beautiful,” Duff said. “That is what we are doing here today with The Pearl. We are making South Norwalk more beautiful. We are making it revitalized. We are continuing to bring energy to this street.”
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