Construction begins on North Campus Ridge in Fairfield
FAIRFIELD – Construction has begun on a new housing development on the north edge of Fairfield.
Construction is underway at Fairfield’s northern border for a new residential project named North Campus Ridge. Located just east of Reiff Grain along Highway 1, this development, distinct from the nearby North Campus Village, will feature 37 residential units across 11 buildings, including nine triplexes and two five-plexes. The project is a collaborative effort between Vastu Partners LLC and DRB Contracting.
Martin Brett, head of Vastu Partners LLC, mentioned the process involved purchasing the land from Dave Reiff and acquiring a Brownfields Development Grant from the EPA, ranging from $900,000 to $1 million. This grant will aid in demolishing Reiff Grain’s existing structures, including grain silos and machinery.
The plan for this redevelopment emerged after Brett’s successful grant application last year, with the property transition completed in December 2023. Dave Reiff is allowed to remain on-site until July 1 to manage his equipment and inventory clearance.
The project commenced with DRB Contracting starting construction in early March on the first building of the planned 11. Although hidden from Highway 1, the structure is visible from North Campus Village. Brett emphasized that North Campus Ridge would only be accessible from Highway 1, without any connecting road to the adjacent North Campus Village.
Brownfields grants, as Brett explained, aren’t exclusively for cleaning toxic sites but can also help prepare land for development. In this case, the grant assists in converting a non-toxic but redevelopment-intensive site. Brett plans to request Fairfield city to annex this land, currently outside city limits, collaborating with French-Reneker-Associates for sewer and water plans.
Demolishing the silos is a challenge due to their size, with various demolition methods being considered. Actual demolition activities will start after Dave Reiff vacates the site.
Originally planning 35 units, including one five-plex, Brett decided to increase the count to 37 units with an additional five-plex, responding to high demand for smaller, more affordable one-bedroom units.
This shift to one-story homes in North Campus Ridge, unlike the two-story homes prevalent in North Campus Village two decades ago, reflects current market trends, with 18 of the 37 units already sold. The one-story homes are more in demand, although Brett acknowledges a continued, albeit smaller, market for two-story homes.
North Campus Ridge, catering primarily to individuals affiliated with Maharishi International University, involves the university in purchasing, annexation, and utility installation. The university plans to acquire half of the development for a dormitory, dividing the space into two distinct 8-acre segments for different uses.
Vastu Partners LLC and DRB Contracting will continue constructing homes on the eastern half, with a new building expected every six weeks to two months. The entire project is projected to conclude by June 2026.
