Acorn Group and Svigals + Partners to revitalize University Commons

West Haven, CT As the firm’s design is revealed to the community and the first tenants are moving in, Acorn Group and Svigals+Partners’ planning concepts utilized to reinvigorate one of the busiest intersections in the state are coming to fruition. Working with a team on the project University Commons, a development reviving the intersection of Rte. 1 and Campbell Ave. in West Haven, the project consists of three mixed-use and residential buildings: The Atwood, The Park View, and The Forest. 

For the first new site of the urban master plan, The Atwood, the entire residential portion of the building and half of its retail space have already been leased. The Atwood has 67 units, plus 15,000 s/f of retail space. Initial schemes for this major mixed-use residential area development have earned local praise. As a result of Acorn Group’s innovative concepts, University Commons creates a walkable village with expanded public space – a new and magnetic center that will serve as a foundation for business prosperity and a resource for local needs. The development boasts new retail frontages, restaurants and the triangular public space, Village Green. 

“This creative and wide-ranging initiative by Acorn Group creates an economically vibrant village center,” said Marissa Mead, R.A., LEED AP, project architect. “This is one of the region’s busiest intersections with two nearby hospitals, a parochial school and a university campus enrolling 7,000 students – all located just under two miles away.” 

University Commons concept is a catalyst to the revitalization of the city. Acorn Group’s goal is to design new buildings and public amenities that make the Allingtown Green more of a destination. 

Acorn’s primary objective is “to create environments for success,” said David Beckerman, founder of Acorn Group, with a team supported by the architect Svigals + Partners. 

Three apartment buildings with retail storefronts are planned around the newly landscaped green, to enhance the village feel created by a common outdoor space planned to have a café, outdoor seating, and artisanal food truck vendors. One of the three streets defining Allingtown Green is in planning to become a paved pedestrian area, with engaging hardscape to increase the activity areas.