Eric Rains Landscape Architecture

Greenwich Crossing is coming together. It has been rewarding to watch the transformation of a place that so many people experience as their first impression of Greenwich.

What started as a redevelopment of the Greenwich Train Station has grown into something much bigger—a better connection between the station, Railroad Avenue, Greenwich Avenue, The Bruce and the waterfront.
The new station is open, the former theater is gone, and views and pedestrian connections that had been blocked for decades are opening again. New storefronts, a restaurant and outdoor dining will bring more activity to Railroad Avenue, while new sidewalks, trees, plantings, lighting and public spaces are beginning to bring the whole place together.

Eric Rains Landscape Architecture has been fortunate to play a part in that transformation, working with The Ashforth Company, Beyer Blinder Belle, Redniss & Mead along with a terrific team of architects, engineers, consultants and contractors.
Our piece of the project has focused on the landscape and public realm—the spaces people actually walk through, gather in and experience every day.

Projects like this don't happen quickly. They take years of planning, design, coordination and construction involving a lot of talented people.
It is nice to finally see those efforts coming together.

There is still more to come, but Greenwich Crossing is already changing the experience of arriving in downtown Greenwich.

It is always rewarding to see a project finally come out of the ground, but some projects mean a little more because you remember where they started.
Benedict Court is one of those projects for me.

I remember working with Joe Tranfo when this property was still an idea. Joe understood early that this collection of properties in downtown Greenwich represented an opportunity to do something meaningful.

Eric Rains Landscape Architecture has been involved with the site since those early days, so seeing the recent groundbreaking after years of planning, design, municipal review and approvals was particularly gratifying.

Benedict Court did not arrive at its current form overnight.

The project went through multiple iterations as the development team worked with Greenwich to find the right balance of housing, architecture, landscape, circulation, parking and compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood.

One of the things I think is particularly important about this project is not simply what was approved, but how the team got there.

Phil Wharton and Nimbus Properties approached the process with the philosophy that the Town should be a partner rather than an adversary.

The team listened. We evaluated comments. We solved problems. The design changed when it needed to change, and everyone kept working toward a better project.
What has stayed with me is that even after the approvals were completed, people involved with the municipal boards, committees and agencies that reviewed the project continued to speak positively about the way Nimbus handled the process.

That says something.

Approvals are important, but the relationships you have when the process is finished matter too.

When completed, Benedict Court will provide 120 apartments, including 48 residences — 40% of the building — at below-market rates. Located within walking distance of Greenwich Avenue, the train station, Town Hall, offices, restaurants, shops and other services, it puts new housing where the infrastructure and activity already exist.
Joe saw the opportunity early. Nimbus Properties, Lonicera Partners and the larger team carried the vision forward. The Town challenged and helped refine it.
And importantly, everyone stayed at the table.

Now construction is underway, with completion anticipated in 2028.
After years of drawings, meetings and conversations, it is gratifying to finally see those ideas becoming something real.

Sometimes the best projects aren't the ones that start with all the answers. They are the ones where the right people stay engaged long enough to find them together.

The improvements to the Yankee Doodle Garage represent another important investment in Norwalk’s Wall Street neighborhood. As Chairman of the Norwalk Parking Authority (NPA) , I was pleased to be part of the ribbon cutting earlier this summer celebrating the completion of this renovation.
A special thank you to Mayor Barbara Smith , Senator Bob Duff and Jim Travers for their support and commitment to making these improvements possible.
Thank you as well to the Wall Street Neighborhood Association for its continued engagement with the NPA. This has been a collaborative effort from the beginning. Together, we helped lay the path to where we are today, and the success of these improvements speaks for itself.
There is still more to come—and much more to celebrate. Future improvements will continue to strengthen this important asset while providing safe, clean and reasonably priced parking for residents, businesses and visitors.
It’s good to see thoughtful investment, collaboration and steady progress making a real difference in the Wall Street neighborhood and the City of Norwalk.

We're proud to be part of the team bringing the final phase of the Bruce Museum modernization project to life along Steamboat Road in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Working closely with the project team, Eric Rains Landscape Architecture helped develop a revised landscape plan that enhances the pedestrian experience, strengthens connections between downtown Greenwich, the Museum, and the waterfront, while preserving the character of the historic hillside.

The project adds new trees, expanded green space, decorative streetscape improvements, and future locations for outdoor sculpture installations—all with a focus on sustainability and thoughtful placemaking.

We are honored to contribute to a project that will benefit residents, visitors, and the cultural life of Greenwich for years to come.

Construction Start August '26

A place becomes more than a building when thoughtful architecture, landscape, and community come together.

This new mixed-use residential destination is designed to create a welcoming sense of arrival, encourage connection, and provide timeless living experiences through elegant architecture, walkable spaces, and carefully crafted outdoor environments.

Every detail contributes to a community that is both functional and enduring.

Great places are not simply built—they are cultivated through vision, collaboration, and a commitment to design excellence.

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Demolition Slated to Begin Next Month on Wilton's Largest New Apartment Project as ARB Approves Minor Change - Good Morning Wilton Demolition is expected to begin in August on Wilton's approved 208-unit apartment development after the ARB approved minor design changes.

🇺🇸 250 Years Strong. Still Building. Still Dreaming. Still Free. 🇺🇸

Today we celebrate more than a birthday. We celebrate the courage, resilience, innovation, and determination that have defined America for 250 years.

As we gather with family, friends, and neighbors, may we remember those who built this nation, those who defended it, and those who continue to shape its future. The American story is one of perseverance, opportunity, and the belief that tomorrow can be better than today.

Grateful for the freedoms we enjoy, the communities we call home, and the opportunities that lie ahead.

Happy 250th Birthday, America. 🇺🇸

God Bless the United States of America.

Soon, this rooftop will be filled with residents making friends and making memories.

https://youtu.be/JFlLAKkcLI8?si=X0NMZ2or2Za5-0R7

This project is shaping up to be something truly exceptional.

Located in the heart of downtown Greenwich, Connecticut, at the prominent corner of Greenwich Avenue and Railroad Avenue, this development occupies one of the most important and visible locations in the region. As a major transit gateway for commuters traveling to and from New York City, it also serves as a premier retail and dining destination that helps define the character and energy of downtown Greenwich.

The Ashforth Company's commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of the project—from thoughtful planning and design to the quality of ex*****on taking place on site. Their vision, leadership, and attention to detail continue to set a high standard for development in the region.

We are honored to contribute to such an outstanding project and to collaborate with an exceptional team of professionals dedicated to creating a destination that will serve the community for generations to come.

Project Team:
• Developer: The Ashforth Company
• Architect: Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners LLP
• MEP/FP Engineer: AKF Group LLC
• Structural Engineer: DeSimone Consulting Engineers
• Land Surveyor/Civil Engineer: Redniss & Mead
• Landscape Architect: Eric Rains Landscape Architecture, LLC
• Construction Manager: A.P. Construction, a division of The Ashforth Company
• Land Use Advisor: 41° North Land Use Advisors
• Lighting Consultant: Lightcraft

Greenwich Crossing | June 2026 Progress at Greenwich Crossing approaches completion! View the late...

Reflecting on the opportunity to deliver the keynote address at last year's "Branching Out Together" conference, hosted by the Connecticut Urban Forest Council in partnership with the Tree Wardens' Association of Connecticut and the Connecticut Tree Protective Association.

The conference highlighted the tremendous value of urban tree canopies and the critical role they play in creating healthier, more resilient communities.

While preparing for the presentation, I came across research from the NYC Parks Department that quantified the annual benefits provided by New York City's urban forest. The numbers are remarkable:

🌳 Stormwater intercepted annually:
1.26 billion gallons
💰 Value: $12.4 million

⚡ Energy conserved annually:
755 million kWh
💰 Value: $95.3 million

🌬️ Air pollutants removed annually:
1.43 million pounds
💰 Value: $7.5 million

📈 Total Annual Benefit:
💰 $120.1 million

Urban trees are far more than a visual amenity—they are essential infrastructure that delivers measurable economic, environmental, and public health benefits year after year.

Explore the NYC Tree Map and learn more:
https://tree-map.nycgovparks.org/

What would the value of a comprehensive urban tree canopy be in your community?