BLACK ROCK GARDEN COOPERATIVES

Fine Architectural Design in the Heart of Black Rock

What are the Black Rock Garden Cooperatives?

The Black Rock Garden Cooperatives (BRGC) are co-op units located in desirable Black Rock, a water community, noted for their fine architectural design which incorporates tree-lined streets, courtyards, and resident maintained gardens. BGA is conveniently located within walking distance of the new Fairfield train station (October 2011 estimated completion), the newly renovated Black Rock branch library, Burroughs Community Center, Captain’s Cove Seaport, the public tennis courts at Ellsworth Field, a public beach on Seabright Avenue, and a waterfront park at St. Mary’s-by-the-Sea.

Why are they so desirable?

The complex is on the National Register of Historic Places. It was created under the supervision of a noted architect, R. Clipston Sturgis, who was President of the American Institute of Architecture and whose work included renovations on the Massachusetts State Capitol Building and construction of the Federal Reserve building in Boston. His work is noted for blending architecture with their environment and for its emphasis on light and air flow.

The BRGC apartments were planned around courtyards with existing trees. They were also designed with outdoor porches and with no central hallway, only two rooms deep, so that air could flow freely from the front of the apartment through the back windows. At that time there was a central heating plant which provided steam heat to all the buildings. This has since been replaced by gas heating systems in each building. The architectural goal was to provide ample light and air as well as a pleasant view from each room in every apartment. The use of brick added both beauty and safety compared to wooden structures, which were less expensive, but more prone to destruction by fire.

The buildings were constructed beginning in 1918 and completed in 1920. The complex was owned by the Bridgeport Housing Company until 1954 when it was sold to the tenants and incorporated as a cooperative. BGA units are all owner-occupied. The common charges for BGA units include heat, hot water, and property taxes.

A Board of Directors, comprised of residents, controls the cooperative, but all leaseholders share the responsibility for the financial stability, maintenance of the property, and enforcement of the rules and regulations. When you buy into a cooperative you are given the lease to a particular unit, however, you own shares in the entire complex. Cooperative living provides a higher quality of life at a lower cost than other housing options, but requires more participation than condominium living. Greater participation also brings a sense of community, making BGA a pleasant and safe place to live.