Home Stretch for Atlantic Wire Demo

The demolition of Atlantic Wire has been underway since July, making way for a 7.5‑acre residential and commercial project, Atlantic Wharf, which was approved in January 2016.

The Atlantic Wire factory, which began operations in 1906, declared bankruptcy and closed in 2008 after being charged with federal crimes and state violations for polluting the Branford River. At that time, former Attorney General Richard Blumenthal called Atlantic Wire one of the worst polluters in the state. Here is the building prior to demolition.

Environmental remediation has been taking place for some time in response to the pollution and the demolition. The nitty gritty bulk of the action was taking place at the rear of the factory near railroad tracks for the Shoreline East Train station used daily by shoreline commuters.

Looking up.

Excavators have been eating away at the structures sorting the debris for disposal.

One worker explained his job to Eagle photographer Bill O’Brien.

Meadow Street has been closed on and off as demolition got underway at the main Atlantic Wire buildings.

The ivy-covered façade has been gutted

…and is the last to come down.

The view through Meadow Street.

Before demolition began here is how Atlantic Wire looked in July.

Here’s the view on Aug. 9.

And Aug. 15.

An up close view. 

Kevin O’Neill, president of Cherry Hill Glass Co. on Elm Street, purchased the property in 2010, along with his corporate partners, Jeffrey A. James and Theodore J. Cwiertniewicz through their One Church Street LLC. The purchase price was about $850,000.

Robert H. Smith Jr., CEO of Milford-based Metro Star Properties LLC, is expected to finalize his sale for the property once demolition is completed toward the end of September.

Plans for Atlantic Wharf call for 205 apartments, featuring 30 studio units; 125 one-bedroom units; and 50 two-bedroom units. Of the 10 buildings, six will have retail, restaurants and commercial units on the first floor. The other four will be strictly residential. There will be an underground parking garage with 195 spaces, which will be open to the public. The parking garage is near the center of town.

See the Eagle’s Facebook page for additional photos.

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