A development team is looking to convert a semi-vacant building into self-storage units near the Winchester Center mixed-use project in New Haven.
The five-story, 128,000-square-foot building at 89-91 Shelton Ave., is largely vacant but contains a rock climbing gym and several small spaces that have been used by businesses and local groups.
Applicant Diamond Point Development LLC, based out of Georgia, is a national builder of self-storage facilities. The site plan application is currently before the City Plan Commission and if approved, Diamond Point would buy the land from owner New Haven Business Center LLC.
Diamond Point would develop five floors and the basement into self-storage units and keep the rock climbing gym, according to the application.
Additionally, the Newhallville and Dixwell Community Management Teams would lease about 4,800 square feet of space “at no or nominal charge” for community meetings and storage.
The building dates back to 1916, and was part of the Winchester Repeating Arms factory complex. The self-storage facility is located blocks away from the $90 million Winchester Green project that would bring 283 mixed-income apartment units to the Science Park area of downtown New Haven.
The Winchester Green project is part of the larger 80-acre, multi-phase Winchester Center development that will ultimately bring 650 units, along with office and lab space to the city.
The self-storage development team also includes surveyor and engineer Langan Engineering and Environmental Services Inc., of New Haven, and architectural firm BL Companies of Meriden.
Construction on the conversion would start this spring and finish by spring 2025, according to the application.
The next City Plan Commission meeting is scheduled for mid-March.
