Developer Proposes Stamford Office-to-Apartment Conversion
A plan would convert the 780 Summer St. office building into 85 apartments as the city's office vacancy rate stands at 27%.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Remote Work
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A developer has submitted a plan to convert the 780 Summer St. office building in Stamford into 85 apartments, including 78 studios and seven one-bedroom units. The city's Zoning Board is scheduled to review the plan Nov. 9.
Why it matters
The proposal adds housing while reducing the city's office vacancy rate, which stands at 27%. The units are intended to rent closer to affordable levels and appeal to young professionals, students, and those seeking efficient urban housing.
The 29,000-square-foot building, constructed in 1985, would gain 85 units, up from 73 in a previously stalled proposal. Stamford's office vacancy rate is 27%, but the Zoning Board's decision on the new plan is still pending.
The players
Golden Towers LLC
Golden Towers LLC is the ownership entity that bought the vacant 780 Summer St. office building in 2023.
Aron Weinberger
Aron Weinberger is a Monroe, New York-based investor who co-owns the 780 Summer St. building through Golden Towers LLC.
Ray Mazzeo
Ray Mazzeo is the planning consultant advising on the proposed conversion of the Stamford office building.
The details
The plan adds a new floor atop the existing structure and renovates the building with a new gray brick and wood-like façade. The vacant office building was sold in 2023 to Golden Towers LLC and Aron Weinberger, a Monroe, New York-based ownership group.
Timeline
2023: Vacant office building sold to Golden Towers LLC and Aron Weinberger.
Recently: Conversion plan submitted to the Land Use Bureau.
Nov. 9: Zoning Board scheduled to review the plan.
Market Landscape
Stamford's office vacancy rate of 27% has left older commercial buildings underused, making office-to-residential conversion a response to empty downtown space. The 780 Summer St. proposal follows that pattern by turning a 1985 office building into small rental units.
If approved, the conversion would add 85 small rental units to downtown Stamford, mostly studios, and could offer renters a more affordable option than the surrounding market. The project's timeline depends on the Zoning Board's review and any changes it requires.
The takeaway
Office-to-residential conversions can help cities with high office vacancy add housing, but approval and unit affordability depend on local zoning review. Renters and neighbors should watch the Nov. 9 Zoning Board meeting for the final outcome.
What happens next
The Zoning Board is scheduled to review the plan on Nov. 9.
Further reading
For related coverage of how office space is shifting in work patterns, see Remote Work.
Source note: This article includes information reported by stamford advocate.
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