Science Park Tract A Demo & Abatement
Project Summary
Project led by Science Park Development Corporation
Located at Winchester Avenue and Munson Street in New Haven’s Science Park, six deteriorated buildings (7, 8, 9, 26, 27, 31, 32, 33, 34) from the former Winchester Repeating Arms factory are being demolished.
Demolition and abatement begin mid-2025 and will conclude by summer 2026.
Work will follow strict safety protocols: dust control, air monitoring, and 24/7 site security.
Project clears the way for future development
Community Meeting
June 12, 2025 | 7PM
Thank you for joining us at our Community Meeting!
Winchester Works (115 Munson St.)
Project Announcement
Overview
The Winchester Tract A Demolition Project is a major step in transforming a long-vacant and environmentally compromised industrial site into a vibrant new chapter for Science Park, Newhallville and Dixwell neighborhoods of New Haven. The work is being led by the Science Park Development Corporation with state agencies, environmental professionals, and construction teams. Demolition and abatement are expected to begin in mid-2025 and conclude by summer 2026.
What is Tract A?
Tract A sits at the heart of the former Winchester Repeating Arms factory complex, a once-thriving industrial hub that produced firearms for over a century. Located at the corner of Winchester Avenue and Munson Street, Tract A includes six interconnected buildings—Buildings 7, 8, 9, 26, 27, 31, 32, 33, and 34—constructed around 1915–1916. The site spans multiple stories of reinforced concrete and was part of the Winchester Repeating Arms Historic District.
From the late 1800s through the early 2000s, the Winchester Repeating Arms Company was one of New Haven’s largest employers and one of the nation’s most significant firearm manufacturers. The Tract A buildings were used for barrel machining, stock finishing, assembly, and storage. After production ceased in 2006, the site fell into disrepair. Unlike many neighboring buildings that were repurposed for residential and commercial use, Tract A remained vacant and deteriorating.
Why is the Demolition Necessary
Extensive environmental testing has confirmed that the Tract A buildings are heavily contaminated from decades of industrial use. A 2021 report by the Connecticut Department of Public Health found that hazardous chemicals—including trichloroethylene (TCE), methylene chloride, and petroleum hydrocarbons—have saturated the concrete floors, walls, and ceilings. These contaminants present a serious health risk through vapor intrusion and off-gassing, especially in enclosed spaces. Even short-term occupancy was determined to be unsafe, and the buildings are structurally compromised. Preservation is not viable. As a result, the buildings have been slated for demolition to eliminate these hazards and create a clean, buildable site for future development that will serve the community’s long-term needs.
What Should I Expect?
Timeline
Work is expected to begin in June or July 2025, with completion by summer 2026
Noise and Vibration Control
Recognizing the inconvenience that demolition noise and vibration can cause, we will strictly follow all local ordinances related to noise levels and permitted hours of construction. Demolition activities are likely to generate noise and some level of vibration.
Environmental/Air Quality Control
Maintaining air quality and ensuring public safety are top priorities throughout the Tract A demolition. To control dust generated by demolition activities, water misting will be used regularly, and dust suppression protocols will be strictly enforced. Air quality will be continuously monitored on-site to detect any changes and respond promptly. Access to adjacent areas, including the courtyard, will be limited during certain phases to maintain a safe environment, though ADA and emergency access will always be preserved. The demolition is being overseen by a Licensed Environmental Professional, with additional accountability to the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) and Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP). If any environmental or structural concerns arise, work will be stopped immediately for assessment and mitigation.
Traffic and Parking Mitigation
Demolition vehicles will need access to the site, which may affect local traffic patterns. Temporary lane closures and changes to parking availability are to be expected. Clear and ample signage will be posted well in advance of any lane closures or parking restrictions to keep residents informed and help them plan their routes accordingly. We aim to minimize disruptions by doing most heavy lifting during off-peak hours.
Safety Measures
Ensuring the safety of both residents and construction workers is of paramount importance. For everyone's safety, certain pedestrian pathways and roads around the site may be temporarily closed or rerouted. Safety barriers and adequate signage will be in place to direct both vehicular and pedestrian traffic safely.
