By Robert Marchant,Staff Writer
March 18, 2026
Resident Wayne Esquivel speaks during a meeting with Mayor Caroline Simmons at Stamford Manor, in Stamford, Conn. March 16, 2026.
STAMFORD — City and housing officials announced the start of a $60 million renovation project at the Stamford Manor housing complex Monday.
“The planning started for this years ago, so we’re so happy to be at this point today, which is really the hard start, the kick-off of what’s going to be an amazing outcome,” said Vin Tufo, the Chief Executive Officer of Charter Oak Communities, the city’s public-housing authority that owns and operates the buildings at Stamford Manor.
The three-year project will make major changes to the 215-unit complex on Main Street, upgrading the infrastructure and renovating the apartments. Wayne Esquival, an eight-year resident, said he really liked living in the apartment complex on the edge of the Mill River Park, while noting some of the deficiencies and deferred maintenance. “Drafty windows, and the flooring is in bad shape,” Esquivel said.
But, he noted, he appreciated the many positive aspects of living at Stamford Manor. “I really enjoy living here. I’ve got a park in my backyard,” Esquivel said, “I can go to concerts, walk to the library, walk to my church. I’m really glad it’s going forward.” Of the building’s dated appearance, he
said, “I’d like to see it shine.”
The funding for the upgrades is coming from a mix of state grants, tax credits, private investment and federal assistance. A Stamford city outlay of $2 million, which has yet to be approved, is also part of the funding package for the affordable-housing housing complex, where 80 percent of the tenants
are senior citizens.
Mayor Caroline Simmons said the work was vital for the tenants and the goal of affordable housing in Stamford. “This is all about making sure we provide a high quality of life for our seniors, a cherished part of of our community,” Simmons said. The mayor said expanding and maintaining affordable housing opportunities in the city was a top priority of her administration. “We’re doing pretty well but, we still have work to do,” she continued. The work is expected to take three years. Stamford Manor was built in two
stages in 1966 and 1971.
Tufo noted that the city funding was crucial for the other funding sources to materialize, by demonstrating a local buy-in from the community. “The city puts the first dollar in, it shows its commitment, ” he said, “With this kind of deal, the first thing they [state and private sponsors] ask is: how much support did you get from the city?”
The initial work, set to commence this month, will make replacements to the mechanical, electrical and plumbing work. The work on individual apartments, window repairs and facade improvements will follow in the months and years to come.
Tufo said there would be no changes to the affordability requirements at Stamford Manor. No one will be displaced, he said, as a few vacant apartments that typically open several times a month will be kept vacant for temporary relocation of tenants while their apartments are refurbished.
The tenants pay 30 % of their income, or at least 50 dollars a month for the units. Around 240 people live in Stamford Manor.
March 18, 2026
Robert Marchant
REPORTER
Robert Marchant is a veteran newsman who covers public safety and public policy for the Greenwich Time. Marchant holds a master’s degree in history from Columbia University and is the author of a book on urban history.