TPA provided civil engineering and landscape architecture design services to support a 132-unit residential infill building located in downtown New Haven. The existing site consisted of the signature Crown Tower and Crown Court apartments built as successful examples of the city’s urban renewal efforts during the 1960s. Mature oak trees, a deteriorating parking deck structure, and pedestrian circulation access presented challenges to development.

TPA assisted with preparation of site plan approval materials and construction administration services. Consultation with the construction manager and general contractor minimized pruning and removal of mature oaks while allowing flexibility for staging and construction. Use of ground penetrating radar tools allowed TPA to locate existing site utilities and recommend alternatives for the design of stormwater and sanitary systems.

Extensive modeling of vehicle turning movements was done to minimize the amount of pavement needed to accommodate service and deliveries from Crown Street while meeting City regulations prohibiting the backing of vehicles over public sidewalks. Photometric calculations for the public courtyard avoided excessive glare towards Crown Tower and Crown Court apartments.

During active construction, TPA provided sedimentation and erosion control inspections as well as review of RFIs and submittals. Several unconventional and undocumented field conditions associated with the original construction of Crown Tower were satisfactorily addressed without affecting the project schedule.

Site plan improvements include an open passive recreation lawn, sitting areas, new shade trees, LED lighting, and an exterior entertaining patio. Commercial storefronts along Crown Street will add new life to the streetscape. Construction began in fall of 2019 and was completed in June 2021.

Perspective Rendering by Newman Architects