The redevelopment of 21 River Road is transforming a 12.2-acre office and retail property in Wilton, Connecticut into a vibrant mixed-use destination. The project will bring new housing, retail, and public gathering areas to Wilton Center.
Kimco engaged VHB to help reposition the site by leading the site design, utility infrastructure design, and critical floodplain and stormwater analyses that support the phased buildout of the development. Located adjacent to the Norwalk River, the site required careful planning to achieve long-term resilience. VHB prepared detailed flood studies, reviewed FEMA documentation, and used model-based design to create an approach that supports sustainable development while incorporating adaptive infrastructure to meet future environmental conditions.
Stormwater management presented an opportunity for innovative design. With Connecticut’s updated 2024 stormwater quality guidelines raising treatment standards, VHB developed a comprehensive approach that addressed evolving regulatory requirements while navigating site constraints including high groundwater, limited cover to finished grade, and low infiltration rates. VHB performed extensive video inspections of the existing storm drain infrastructure to confirm pipe conditions, verify system connectivity, and determine how the proposed improvements could integrate with the existing drainage network.
Building on this investigation, VHB designed a coordinated stormwater strategy featuring two separate underground systems, each addressing a specific management objective. One underground chamber system handles infiltration of roof runoff, while a separate system provides peak stormwater attenuation. This tailored approach addresses water quality, runoff reduction, and peak flow management within the redevelopment site while leveraging redevelopment credit opportunities under the updated standards. The design delivers a technically rigorous stormwater solution that supports long-term site resilience and protects local and downstream water resources.
The result is a redevelopment plan that balances resilience, regulatory compliance, and economic revitalization. By addressing complex environmental constraints, the project advances Wilton's vision for a more active and connected mixed-use district.
Once complete, River Road will deliver 168 new apartments, and more than 10,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space. The project will strengthen the vitality of Wilton Center and the surrounding community. VHB continues to work with Kimco on Phase II.
For more information, contact Mark Grocki.
