Leading Bohler’s New Fairfield Office and the Opportunities Ahead 

Home to nearly a million residents and defined by a dense, well-established urban footprint, Fairfield County, Connecticut, presents a unique mix of challenges and opportunities for development. As the region continues to grow, redevelopment is increasingly centered on mid-20th-century retail and multifamily residential properties, breathing new life into this vibrant, in-demand market. 

For Bohler, expanding into this dynamic market not only creates new opportunities for clients — it also opens access to a deep local talent pool. 

We sat down with Nate Kirschner, Branch Manager of Bohler’s Fairfield office, to learn more about what makes the region ripe for revitalization, what he’s most excited to accomplish, and how he plans to support clients navigating this evolving landscape. 

What development trends are driving opportunities in Fairfield County right now?

We’re seeing a lot of activity in mixed-use and retail, especially given the more urban nature of many towns in the county. Multifamily remains in high demand, and there’s also a noticeable uptick in hospitality and last-mile distribution projects.  

But one of the biggest—and most transformative—development opportunities here is transit-oriented development (TOD). With the Metro-North rail line running through every town from New Haven up to Greenwich, TOD has become a central focus for municipal planning and investment. 

Bohler has already been involved in significant TOD planning efforts, leveraging deep expertise to help clients navigate the complexities of these projects. The state of Connecticut is backing this trend with substantial incentives, including: 

• Planning grants to support municipalities in developing TOD strategies, such as Fairfield’s $200,000 grant for the Metro Center area. 

• A $15 million Transit-Oriented Development Fund offering pre-development and acquisition financing to encourage projects near transit stations. 

• Affordable housing incentives under state law, encouraging denser, mixed-income housing developments close to transit hubs. 

• Proposed zoning reforms and infrastructure funding aimed at increasing housing density, reducing parking requirements, and facilitating adaptive reuse around transit centers. 

For example, the Metro Center redevelopment in Stamford is a major project backed by state investment, including a complete redesign of the train station to support higher-density, walkable development. 

There’s strong momentum behind TOD in Fairfield County, with municipalities actively seeking to capitalize on these incentives to create vibrant, sustainable communities centered around transit. 

How will your background help support Bohler’s clients in this region?

I think my experience aligns well with what our clients need here. I’ve been working along the I-95 corridor since the start of my career and spent about a decade based in New Haven. I’ve touched a range of sectors — from industrial and retail to hospitality and mixed-use. 

Beyond the technical side, I also bring experience from the development perspective. I’ve led teams on both the engineering and development sides of the table, which gives me insight into the pressures and priorities our clients are navigating. That understanding helps us anticipate challenges early and align our approach with our clients’ goals. 

Pairing that perspective with my colleague Chas Evans’ 11 years of Bohler expertise and extensive regional experience gives our clients the best of both worlds — deep local knowledge and insight into Bohler’s proven processes. Together, we can deliver solutions that are both tailored to the market and backed by the full strength of the firm. 

Based on your industry experience, how is Bohler different from other consultants or engineers —especially in this region?

In Fairfield County, most engineering firms are smaller, niche businesses. Bohler brings a broader experienced, larger-scale, high-capacity presence to the region, combining local knowledge with the resources and depth to support complex, evolving projects now and into the future. 

What sets Bohler apart — and something I really appreciated even when I was a client — is how intentional the team is about understanding the local landscape. They don’t just show up and submit plans — they build relationships. Whether it’s recommending the right land use attorney, partnering with traffic consultants that local municipalities trust, or navigating the unspoken nuances of the approval process, Bohler is strategic about how things get done. 

It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you’re a national retail brand, a regional industrial developer, or a local developer, this team knows which levers to pull to keep projects moving forward — and that’s a big differentiator in a market like this. 

What kinds of projects has the team been working on so far in Fairfield County? Are there any you’re particularly proud of?

We’ve already had the opportunity to support some great projects across the region. In Fairfield alone, we’ve worked on development programs for national retail brands like McDonald’s and other quick serve restaurants. Over in Stamford, we recently completed an FW Webb retail facility, and in Greenwich, we supported a veterinary hospital project. 

One that really stands out is the Fairfield Equine Associates expansion in Newtown. Following Planning and Zoning approval, the project is moving forward with an 8,132-square-foot building addition and a 75’ x 150’ covered riding ring to enhance the hospital’s surgical and diagnostic capabilities — including the installation of a state-of-the-art Qalibra CT Scan system designed specifically for horses. 

These projects are a great reflection of the diversity of development happening in Fairfield County, and they’ve given our team a solid foundation as we continue to grow our presence. 

What are you most excited about for the new Fairfield office and team?

I’m really excited about the strong foundation we’re building. We’ve launched with a full, experienced team of five — combining fresh talent and seasoned pros like Chas. His deep in-house knowledge will be invaluable as we grow. 

For our clients, the important thing to know is that we’re fully established and ready to deliver. This isn’t just a satellite office or a temporary setup — it’s a dedicated, capable team on the ground from day one, with a thorough understanding of land development and the local market. 

“This office isn’t just about expanding our footprint,” Bohler Principal and Regional Manager Geoff Fitzgerald told us. “It’s about strategic growth. Fairfield County is a high-opportunity market right along the I-95 corridor, between New Haven and Manhattan. Being based here puts us in the center of the action, creating new opportunities for both our clients and our team.” 

Ready to move projects forward in Fairfield County, CT? Connect with our team.