Hill Central Revitalization

The Hill Central project revitalizes five affordable housing sites located in the heart of The Hill neighborhood in New Haven. Newman’s work began with a master plan for new buildings that reconnect the site to the surrounding urban fabric. The master plan explored options that addressed fundamentals of place making and neighborhood design, pedestrian and vehicular circulation, community safety, resident open space amenities, massing and density vs. unit yield, and resident parking needs. The chosen option, refined though outreach to City leadership and Hill Central residents, expands the number of units by creating eight buildings of townhouse and apartment homes that connect to their neighbors and their low-rise context adjacent to the Roberto Clemente Leadership Academy and Hill Central School, two New Haven Public Schools.

The 114 units, which consist of 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments and townhouses, combine affordable family housing with a senior preference. A combination of contemporary character that uses common building materials in unconventional ways and New Urbanist planning principles creates a dynamic and varied street experience. A variety of building scales and facades results in a natural feeling roofscape and streetscape and maintains eyes on all sides to address resident security concerns. Street parking keeps the site active and the openness of the site to adjacent properties without fences or other barriers maintains a neighborhood feel.

The Hill Central Revitalization serves as a model for how sound design principles for the urban environment, building character, and sustainability can bring new life and vitality to our neighborhood with quality affordable housing. The eight buildings of Phase 1 were fully complete in the spring of 2025. Phase 2, which is currently exploring the renovation of the remaining Hill Central buildings to the West of Hill Central School, along Washington Avenue, is currently beginning design.