Heart of Norwalk Vision and Specific Plan

The Arroyo Group prepared the Heart of Norwalk Vision Plan, which articulated a clear, consensus-driven direction for the San Antonio Village and Firestone Corridor, two aging areas in Norwalk’s core. The Plan was based on a broad, comprehensive and meaningful outreach process conducted during the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Included was a consistent social media campaign with over 700 followers and 3,000 post likes and comments; a paper and online survey reaching 363 households; four engaging videos with over 3,000 reproductions; and almost 100 participants in online workshops. The Plan uncovered the desire of Norwalk’s population, particularly the large youth and young adult population, to have higher quality commercial amenities and experiences located within a vibrant, mixed-use setting.

Putting form to the community’s desire and operating within the context of economic realities, the Specific Plan establishes three vibrant mixed-use districts in the Heart of Norwalk – the Front Street Historic District, the Town Square District and the Triangle District. The districts are linked by complete streets and infill multifamily development corridors along Firestone Boulevard and San Antonio Drive. The Specific Plan includes detailed development standards, objective design standards and streetscape standards intended to streamline the approval process and encourage investment and placemaking.