Waterford — A developer is looking to expand the rental market in town with Waterford Heights, a development of seven apartment buildings with a total of 284 units at 969 Hartford Turnpike.

Developer Jon Hendel is a town resident and businessman who in 1994 formed the development company TerraMax in 1994, which has developed and managed several properties in New London County and in New York. He said his family has owned the Waterford property since the 1970s and he has wanted to develop it for years.

The development proposes to have a variety of housing choices with a little more than half of the 284 apartments to be studio or one-bedroom units, 35% two-bedroom units and 11% three-bedroom units. Rent amounts and a timeline for the project have not yet been determined.

"Not everyone wants single-family homes," Hendel said. "Some want to rent and have a community experience."

He said the apartment complex would offer individuals and families another lifestyle choice where they can share community amenities such as a clubhouse and dog park. He added the high-quality apartments will have granite countertops, balconies and individual washers and dryers.

Attorney Mark Branse of Hartford and others presented the development on Hendel's behalf to the town's Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday.

Branse said the 35.5-acre property is undeveloped, forested and in proximity to commercial and industrial buildings. He said the development would have multiple stormwater basins and has received a permit from the Inland Wetland Commission, as there are wetlands along the south and southeast sides of the property.

Parts of the property slope in a southerly direction and a long driveway off Hartford Turnpike and up the slope will lead future residents to the site, Branse said.

Designwise, the seven buildings will share a New England architectural style but will differ in structure to accommodate the property's natural valley.  

Tim Wentz of the architectural firm Gate 17 is the lead architect and is known for having designed other apartments in the region. On Tuesday, Wentz said two buildings will have four stories in the front and three in the back; three buildings will be on flat land with four stories; and two buildings will have three stories in the front and four in the back.

Reflecting specific architectural features found in the area, Wentz said the buildings will have gable ends, deck-like railings and columns and shed dormers.

The development's engineer, Darin Overton, said on Tuesday the clubhouse is expected to have a cafe area, sitting room with a fireplace, gaming room, leasing office, gym and a business center.

Wentz said business centers have become increasingly popular during the coronavirus pandemic, since some people that work remotely but do not want to work at home. The business center would give those residents a place to work and print what they need, he said.

The proposed apartment complex also will have a pool, dog wash, playground for children, dog park and, most distinctive, a disc golf course with seven "holes" or baskets.

Branse said the disc golf course would be located on the northern end of the property and would not require removing a lot of trees near the wooded area. He said it would be for the residents' use only.

"It's in an ideal location with highway access and close to stores like Target," Hendel said. "I think the development is ideal for the property and great for Waterford — and the region."

The Planning and Zoning Commission continues to review the application and likely will reach a decision by May 12.

j.vazquez@theday.com