Stephen Soler, president of Georgetown Land Development Co.believes the firm can break ground by year's end on therehabilitation of "the Weaving Building," which will contain 48units of live-work loft space. Also part of the first phase will bethe redevelopment of an existing 35,000-sf building on theproperty. The Weir Farm, a division of the US Forest Service, willoccupy the building.

"After two years of hard work the Redding Zoning Commission hasapproved the master plan for redeveloping the former Gilbert &Bennett Wire Mill," Soler says. "When we began this process wewanted to ensure the town had an active voice in deciding the finaloutcome of this project." He adds that the firm has activelyencouraged and solicited feedback from the entire community. "Lastfall we held seven days of public meetings dedicated tounderstanding what residents and neighbors would like to seebuilt."

In early 2005, Georgetown will begin the second phase that callsfor the demolition of some buildings not deemed historicallysignificant. Once removed, the land will serve as part of thefootprint for the mixed-use development that will consist of 416residential units, a large parking structure, more than 300,000 sfof mixed-use commercial space and a performing arts center. Theplan also calls for a new train station on the Danbury spur of theMetro North Railroad line.