CMSC Webinar – Constructing Downtown: Storrs Center 20 Year Update
CMSC Webinar
Constructing Downtown: Storrs Center 20 Year Update
Webinar Summary
Twenty-four years ago, the Town of Mansfield and UCONN had a vision to create a vibrant, walkable, mixed-use downtown. Today, Storrs Center is home to 60 businesses, 1300 residents, and boasts civic space and multi-use buildings. So what’s next?
In this webinar, Cynthia van Zelm, Mansfield Downtown Partnership Executive Director, shares share her firsthand experiences and lessons learned in downtown management.
Presentation Highlights
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The Three Stages of Development
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
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Mansfield Downtown Partnership, Inc. Organization & Budget
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
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Lessons Learned
- 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
View the Recording
Additional Resources
Professional Affiliates
Several of the photos of Storrs Center were taken by CMSC Professional Affiliate Levin Aerial Works.
About Cynthia van Zelm
Cynthia van Zelm, is Executive Director of Mansfield Downtown Partnership. She was involved in Downtown Storrs from its inception and now concentrates on managing and promoting the downtown and Mansfield’s economic development.
Contact Info
- Mansfield Downtown Partnership Website
- Email Cynthia at vanZelmCA@mansfieldct.org
