The bond commission approved the request submitted by Governor John G. Rowland for the Ninth Square initiative. The second phase of the Ninth Square redevelopment effort is estimated to cost $39,872,795.

Phase two of the project entails the substantial renovation and retention of approximately 25,000 sf of ground floor retail space on Church and Chapel Streets and the retrofit of the former Grant's department store to accommodate a 138-car parking garage. In addition, upper story commercial space at the site will be converted into 121 rental apartment units. Work on a second block, which includes sections of Chapel, Orange and Church Streets, involves the renovation of four historic commercial buildings in order to create 56 rental apartments. In that area, new construction will add another 44 rental units to the project. The new rental apartments will be a mix of affordable and market rate priced units.

"By simultaneously addressing housing, retail and parking issues, this phase of the Ninth Square project represents a key piece of New Haven's overall downtown redevelopment," says Governor Rowland. Complimenting nearby projects like the new State Street train station and Chapel Square Mall, Ninth Square is helping to create a thriving, vibrant urban setting for New Haven businesses and residents alike.