Windsor Locks’ Main Street had lost much of its historic vibrancy, disconnecting the area from its rich past as a bustling town center. The absence of mixed-use development and pedestrian-friendly spaces, combined with underutilized proximity to transit infrastructure, left the area without the vitality that once defined this Connecticut River Valley community.

The 255 Main Street development introduces a thoughtfully designed, four-story affordable housing project that reconnects with the town’s historic character while embracing modern transit-oriented development principles. The two-phase project features a U-shaped building with ground-floor retail in Phase 1 and a complementary linear building in Phase 2, both positioned close to the street to create an engaging public realm. The architecture draws inspiration from local history, incorporating red-clay colored fiber-cement siding that references the region’s brick-making heritage, while carefully composed facades with setback top floors echo the three-story rhythm of historic Main Street.

This transformative development creates lasting value for residents and the broader community by reestablishing an active, walkable Main Street corridor. The project’s various outdoor spaces, including plazas, green areas, and a water feature with pergola, provide welcoming gathering places for both residents and the public. Strategic placement of building lobbies and pedestrian passages creates seamless connections between the buildings, parking areas, and the adjacent new train station, while ground-floor retail spaces help revitalize street-level activity. By combining affordable housing with transit-oriented development principles, 255 Main Street serves as a catalyst for sustainable community growth while honoring Windsor Locks’ historic character.