The Hamlet at Saugatuck: A New Chapter for Westport’s Waterfront

In Westport, Connecticut, a long-overlooked stretch of the Saugatuck River is on the brink of transformation. The Hamlet at Saugatuck—a seven-acre waterfront development—has been years in the making and is now inching closer to reality.

The project promises a unique mix of luxury, accessibility, and public benefit. But as with any major change, it’s not without debate.

A Mixed-Use Vision, Grounded in Community Input

Shaped by extensive public feedback, The Hamlet begins at the water’s edge. A new marina and boardwalk will open the riverfront to the public in ways the town hasn’t seen before. Visitors may arrive by boat or foot, walking the full length of the site without crossing a single parking lot.

Inland, low-rise buildings will house restaurants, boutique retail, wellness amenities, and a co-working hub. A striking barn-like structure will offer space for weddings, performances, and community events—bringing people together in a venue with real scale and charm.

At the heart of the plan is an ultra-luxury hotel, complemented by full-service residences and high-end hospitality throughout. Just offshore, two private islands will expand the experience further—with one centered around beach club relaxation, the other offering live music and seasonal events.

Building Below to Preserve What’s Above

A major piece of the plan happens beneath the surface. In a complex feat of engineering, parking and service infrastructure will be buried underground—preserving sightlines and keeping the district open, walkable, and connected to the water.

The project also tackles long-standing environmental issues. Crews will dig as deep as 16 feet to remove decades of contaminated riverfront sludge—a critical step in restoring the health of this part of the Saugatuck.

A Site with History—and Some Resistance

This part of town has a long, utilitarian past. Once home to button works and freight sidings, it later became a patchwork of parking lots and underused infrastructure. It wasn’t a place to linger—unless you were at the Black Duck, which will remain intact as a local landmark.

Today, the plan aims to turn a forgotten edge of Westport into a connected, inviting part of town life. But not everyone agrees. Some locals are pushing back—raising concerns about traffic, scale, and change.

The Cost of Saying No

While the proposal continues to evolve, the alternative looms large. If The Hamlet is rejected, the site remains open to by-right development—potentially up to a million square feet of high-density housing with limited community input.

In that light, The Hamlet represents something rare: a chance to shape—not just react to—the future of Westport’s waterfront.