CMSC Webinar

Mansfield Downtown Partnership, Inc. has been involved in the construction of Storrs Center from the very beginning. Its role has changed to meet the needs of the project: planning, construction, and management

Planning

• 1999 – Mansfield Town Council forms “Town Green Committee”
• 2001 – Mansfield Downtown Partnership, Inc. to oversee redevelopment efforts
• 2003 – Partnership selects master developer
• 2003-2006 – Partnership guides Town, UConn, and master developer through approval process
• 2007 – Design guidelines approved

Construction

• 2011 – Construction Begins
• 2012 – First building of Phase 1A Storrs Center opens
• 2017 – Construction of “Storrs Center” complete

Management

• 2018 – DOWNTOWN STORRS introduced for whole district
• 2018- Today – Key management activities include: providing business support, operations (e.g. enhancing public spaces, etc.) , working with property owners, promotion and marketing of the district, and hosting community events

The Board of Directors is made up of:

• 3 Town of Mansfield positions (appointed)
• 3 UConn positions (appointed)
• 2 Student representatives (selected)
• 6 Elected positions (voted on by “membership” base)
• 2 ex officio positions:
  • Mansfield Mayor
  • UConn President or designee

Staff includes:

• Executive Director
• Senior Communications Manager
• Event Coordinator
• Administrative Assistant (part-time)

Budget 

Their annual budget is $405,000.

• Town of Mansfield – $175,000
• UConn Contribution – $175,000
• Economic Development Service Fee – $40,000
• “Membership” Dues – $15,000

• Clear direction/everyone on same page as the mission
• Dedicated and funded staff is key
• Be ready to pivot
• Bring on and mentor a staff team that meets evolving needs
• Try not to take things personally