Journal Inquirer

SOUTH WINDSOR - A local developer hopes to introduce a relatively new concept to the area by building 12 office condominiums on Oakland Road .

Plans filed with the Planning Department propose four new buildings, each housing three 3,000-square-foot offices, Assistant Town Planner Michele R. Lipe said. The complex is to be called Wentworth Park .

The developer, Generation 2 Inc., hopes to build on a vacant parcel of roughly 3 acres on Oakland Road , part of Route 30, near the Berry Patch housing development, Lipe said.

If approved, Wentworth Park would introduce the concept of office condominiums to the region, said Jeffrey Sawyer, president of development and construction for Generation 2.

"It's kind of new to the Hartford area," he said.

Office condominiums allow small business owners to buy their own space, rather than lease it. Buying space in Wentworth Park can save businesses money, as it is expected to cost about a third less than current leasing rates, Sawyer said.

The complex would be run by a condominium association, similar to those in residential condominium complexes, which would oversee exterior landscaping and other maintenance, Sawyer said.

"It's a win-win for a small business," he said.

Sawyer, who recently returned to the area after living in other parts of the country, said he has seen the concept succeed elsewhere. He said Generation 2 is eager to bring it to South Windsor .

If the plan is approved, offices in Wentworth Park will be available for occupancy next spring, according to the Generation 2 Web site. Businesses will be able to choose from five office layouts.

Business owners will have the choice of custom ceramic tiled, carpeted, or hardwood floors. Cabinetry, lighting, and fireplaces also will be customized in each unit.

The complex's exterior, according to the plans, will have red brick, vinyl siding, cedar shingles, and full glass front doors. It will include signs for each business.

"You can customize the interior any way you want, and then you own it," Sawyer said.

Plans for Wentworth Park are slated to go before the Planning and Zoning Commission Nov. 9, Lipe said.