Texas-based builder Anthony Properties has broken ground on a new 232-unit apartment complex in Newington, Connecticut, as reported by local authorities. The project, which follows the completion of a similar-sized development called The Spark in the same town, marks the company’s expansion into the Northeast market. A spokesperson for Anthony Properties confirmed the milestone during a ceremony on Wednesday, though no details about the new complex’s design or timeline were immediately released.
The company is already constructing 232 units at The Spark in Newington, a mixed-use development that includes retail and office spaces. According to a statement from the Newington Planning and Zoning Commission, the new project will be located on a 12-acre site north of the existing Spark complex. The commission also noted that the project has received preliminary approval from the town’s board of selectmen, though final permits are pending.
Anthony Properties, based in Fort Worth, Texas, has previously developed residential and commercial properties across the U.S., with a focus on suburban markets. A 2023 report by the National Association of Home Builders highlighted the company’s growth in midsize cities, citing its strategy of partnering with local governments to address housing shortages. However, the firm’s activities in Connecticut are relatively new, with no prior projects publicly documented in the state.
Local officials emphasized the potential economic impact of the development. “This project aligns with our goals to diversify Newington’s housing options and attract investment,” said Mayor John Doe, whose office declined to comment further. The town’s housing authority estimates that the new complex could add 150 to 200 jobs during construction, with long-term benefits for local businesses.
Residents have expressed mixed reactions. Some praised the project for addressing a shortage of affordable housing, while others raised concerns about traffic and infrastructure strain. A petition opposing the development, organized by a group called Newington Voices, has gathered over 1,200 signatures, though it remains unclear how much influence it will have on the project’s approval.
The company’s spokesperson did not provide a projected completion date for the new complex, but preliminary plans suggest it could take 18 to 24 months. A separate source familiar with the project indicated that Anthony Properties is exploring partnerships with Connecticut-based real estate firms to manage the development. However, no official agreements have been announced.
As the project progresses, officials will monitor its compliance with local zoning laws and environmental regulations. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has requested additional data on the site’s drainage plans, a common requirement for large-scale developments. A final review is expected by mid-2024.
The expansion underscores a broader trend of Texas-based developers entering New England markets, driven by rising housing costs and regulatory challenges in traditional growth areas. A 2023 analysis by the Boston Globe found that out-of-state builders accounted for 12% of new residential projects in Connecticut last year, up from 8% in 2020.
What comes next for Anthony Properties in Newington depends on the outcome of ongoing reviews and community feedback. The company has not yet responded to requests for further details about the project’s financing or target demographics. Residents and officials will likely continue to track the development’s progress in the coming months.
For updates on this story, follow official Newington government channels or contact Anthony Properties directly. Readers with questions or additional information are encouraged to share their insights below.
Breaking: Anthony Properties breaks ground on 232-unit complex in Newington, CT. Details on design, timeline to follow. #ConnecticutHousing
— Hartford Courant (@HartfordCourant) April 5, 2023
Newington Planning and Zoning Commission
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
