Exciting Development Plans Unveiled for Long-Vacant Wagner Ford Property in Simsbury

Exciting Development Plans Unveiled for Long-Vacant Wagner Ford Property in Simsbury

Table of Contents

• What’s in the Works?

• Traffic and Environmental Considerations

• Addressing Impervious Surface and Site Remediation

• What’s Next?

SIMSBURY – Big changes are on the horizon for a prominent but long-neglected property along Hopmeadow Street. A local developer, Prospect Enterprises, LLC, has unveiled ambitious plans to transform the site of the former Wagner Ford dealership into a vibrant retail and dining hub. If approved, the project will feature a Starbucks, a Chipotle, a drive-through ATM, and a standalone retail building with space for up to three shops.

This site, adjacent to the Big Y supermarket, has been owned by Prospect Enterprises since the 1960s and was previously leased to the Wagner family for their dealership at 1263 Hopmeadow. Now, with a focus on modern convenience and community needs, the developers aim to breathe new life into the area.

What’s in the Works?

The proposal includes two main attractions: a 2,400-square-foot Starbucks and an equally sized Chipotle. Both will feature drive-through options, with careful measures to address potential traffic concerns. The retail building, which will be set further back from Hopmeadow Street, is planned to cover 11,600 square feet and could house up to three tenants.

In presenting the plans, Paul Vitaliano of VHB Engineering explained that Chipotle’s drive-through will operate differently from traditional models. Customers will place orders and make payments via the Chipotle app, receive a scheduled pickup time, and collect their food at a designated drive-up window. For late arrivals, a designated parking area will be available.

“The drive-through lines are shorter, and wait times are reduced compared to traditional setups,” Vitaliano noted. The Chipotle will also offer dine-in seating, counter service, and a patio area for outdoor dining. Starbucks will follow a more traditional design but will include a split-lane drive-through to minimize potential congestion. “We’ve ensured cars won’t back up onto Hopmeadow Street,” Vitaliano emphasized.

Traffic and Environmental Considerations

Traffic is a key concern for this project, given the site’s proximity to the busy Big Y supermarket and Hopmeadow Street. Charlie Baker, a traffic engineer with VHB, shared projections indicating an increase of 206 trips per hour during morning rush, 168 during afternoon rush, and 256 during Saturday peak hours. These figures bring the total daily trips to an estimated 520–740.

Baker explained that some traffic would come from multi-purpose trips—visitors shopping at both Big Y and the new plaza—while others would be “pass-bys,” drivers stopping in for coffee or a quick bite. He acknowledged that while delays might increase, the impact was not expected to be significant.

Still, Commission members raised concerns, particularly about a planned left-turn entrance off Hopmeadow Street, which would allow cars to cross opposing traffic lanes. The entrance, located just feet from the Big Y traffic light, sparked debate about the potential for backups. Some members suggested adding a physical median to prevent left turns, while others questioned if the entrance could be removed altogether. An alternative route via the Big Y entrance was also discussed.

Addressing Impervious Surface and Site Remediation

To accommodate the new plaza, Prospect Enterprises is requesting a special exemption to increase the site’s impervious surface limit from 40% to 60%. Interestingly, this would still represent an improvement, as the current impervious surface exceeds 80%. Plans also include collaboration with town planners on new sidewalks to enhance pedestrian connectivity.

Environmental concerns related to the site’s previous use as a car dealership were also addressed. Greg Nanni, general manager of Prospect Enterprises, assured the Commission that the property had been thoroughly assessed and that necessary remediation work would be completed before construction begins.

What’s Next?

Public feedback will continue to play a critical role as the project progresses. The Zoning Commission has scheduled a continuation of the public hearing for July 17, where the request for increased coverage in the B-2 zone will be reviewed further.

If approved, this development could mark a transformative step for Simsbury, adding new retail and dining options while revitalizing a long-dormant property. As plans take shape, residents and local officials alike are watching closely, eager to see how this project could redefine one of Simsbury’s most visible commercial corridors.

Stay tuned for updates as this ambitious project moves through the approval process!