A few years ago, a derelict lock factory was one of many abandoned industrial sites in South Norwalk, CT. Today, the completely renovated Lock Building is a thriving award-winning commercial center at the heart of South Norwalk’s urban renewal. The building’s distinctive interiors feature exposed timber construction, brick walls, tin-clad doors, and polished concrete floors, combining the best of modern design with its industrial past.

The Lock Building, a series of structures dating to 1856, was rehabilitated by a partnership of Spinnaker Real Estate Partners LLC, Greenfield Partners LLC, and Summit Development in cooperation with the City of Norwalk. Converted into a 100,000 sq ft commercial building, it reopened in 2001 after a renovation that preserved the oldest original portions of the structure, including the timber frame, masonry construction, and exposed brick interior walls. New infrastructure, custom lighting, tin-clad entry doors, exposed duct work, cold rolled steel walls, and landscaped courtyards were added. The building is fully occupied and home to a diversity of tenants occupying from 2,000 to 20,000 square feet. They include financial services, high-tech, and apparel companies, and a restaurant.

Site costs included major street realignment and brick paving in keeping with Enterprise Zone design guidelines. Development costs were $20 million.