Fletcher Thompson moves headquarters to Main Street in Ansonia

ANSONIA >> Fletcher Thompson, one of the Northeast’s largest architect firms, is moving its Connecticut headquarters here, with Ansonia officials wishing them “good luck and a fresh start,” just days after the company was evicted from its Bridgeport office.

An eviction notice was posted on the door of the firm’s Bridgeport headquarters at 930 Main St. last week. Last year, the building’s landlord, Darien-based Forstone Capital ordered the firm to leave for allegedly not paying its rent.

The firm was granted a court order, allowing it a 12-month stay to remain in Bridgeport, but that expired this month. A judge denied any further extensions and the company was forced to leave Bridgeport.

Fletcher Thompson has a long-standing history in Bridgeport, having been based there for a century. The firm moved to nearby Shelton for a decade but returned to Bridgeport in 2014.

Repeated attempts to reach company officials were not successful.

Mayor David Cassetti’s office issued a press release this week, touting the news about the firm coming here. Fletcher Thompson is in the process of moving into the entire third floor, which boasts 6,700 square feet of space at 200 Main St., once occupied by the former Glazer Appliance and Furniture store, according to Economic Development Director Sheila O’Malley.

O’Malley said the company brings with it 20 additional jobs.

“This is good news because we are getting a nice blend in the downtown,” said O’Malley. “We have restaurants, retail and now we are seeing additional office spaces coming online. Additionally, these jobs are highly skilled jobs which bring higher wages into Ansonia. Employees will shop and eat in the downtown. We are hopeful they will thrive and expand.”

When asked about Fletcher Thompson’s alleged financial woes, O’Malley said, “This was brought to my attention. I assume the owner has done his due diligence or would not have entered into a lease agreement. I am also understanding that the company has been restructured so hopefully that will improve things.”

Ansonia Corporation Counsel John Marini was happy to welcome Fletcher Thompson downtown.

“The tax rate in Bridgeport is at 54.37 (mills), which is pushing many businesses out,” he said. “We wish Fletcher Thompson good luck and a fresh start in Ansonia, where the mill rate next year remains stable at 37.32. Overtaxed businesses in cities like Bridgeport, New Haven and Waterbury would do well to give us a call and see what opportunities Ansonia has to offer. We are open for business!”

Marini said downtown is seeing increased activity thanks to the Cassetti administration’s willingness to offer incentives and partnerships with prospective developers, landowners and brokers.

“Mayor Cassetti has vowed to make Ansonia “open for business,” and over the last 3½ years that is precisely what has happened,” said Marini. “Every new business means an expansion of our grand list and the potential to attract further investment opportunities to the city. All of this directly benefits the taxpayers, whether in the form of lower taxes or increased economic choices in their hometown.”

Marini added that Ansonia, in terms of business growth, is “defying the odds” in Connecticut, which he said “shoulders the burden of being one of the worst states to do business in.” In addition to Fletcher Thompson coming, HomeGoods is poised to come to the Big Y shopping plaza, and the recent sale of the former ATP and Palmer buildings will bring a mix of retail and residential downtown, as well.

“Mayor Cassetti and his team have been going against the grain by adhering to pro-business and pro-growth policies that include low taxes and a willingness to work with — not against — private developers,” Marini said.

According to its website, Fletcher Thompson has offices in New York City, New Jersey and Connecticut. Their expertise includes corporate interiors, colleges and universities, international, health care, and K-12 education. Some of Fletcher Thompson’s services include architecture and planning, interior design, engineering, program management and consulting.