Redefining Retail: The SoNo Collection Sets a New Standard for Urban Shopping Centers
KBE served as General Contractor for The SoNo Collection in Norwalk, Connecticut, a 1.2 million-square-foot, multi-level, mixed-use development that reimagines the modern retail destination. Featuring a curated mix of upscale national brands like Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s alongside dining, public art installations, and pedestrian-friendly design, the project marked one of the region’s most ambitious and highly visible commercial developments.
KBE Building Corporation | The SoNo Collection
Our Challenge: Urban Complexity and Elevated Expectations
Transforming a waterfront site into a luxury shopping and lifestyle experience takes more than construction expertise—it demands a partner who can balance community needs, complex logistics, and a high-end client vision. Enter KBE Building Corporation.
Bound on all four sides by Interstate 95, a commuter rail line, an historic church, and a major city street, the project left little margin for error. KBE’s team navigated tight staging zones, coordinated extensive structural systems and tenant interfaces, and executed in an active urban context without disrupting the surrounding community.
Location: Norwalk, CT
Client: Brookfield Properties (Chicago, IL)
Architect: CallisonRTKL (Washington, DC)
KBE’s Solution: High Performance, High Design
KBE combined disciplined execution with collaborative leadership. The build included a structurally complex cast‑in‑place base, a filigree plank system in the upper levels, and full integration of a mixed‑use podium with amenity spaces. KBE kept the momentum moving from ground‑up to tenant finish while preserving schedule integrity and brand quality across the board.
From a construction standpoint, the project was nothing short of monumental. KBE navigated aggressive scheduling demands, dense urban site conditions, and the coordination of multiple teams and stakeholders to keep the multi-year project on time and on budget. In collaboration with the client and architects, our team ensured that every detail—from parking garage access to stormwater management to the seamless integration of public art—aligned with the broader vision.
The Outcome: A Destination for the District
The SoNo Collection isn’t just built — it’s activated. With street‑level retail, elevated public zones, and downtown connectivity, the center anchors Norwalk’s West Avenue corridor as a walkable, dynamic hub. The project was honored with the Connecticut Building Congress Project Team Award of Merit in the Commercial/Large category. It remains one of our proudest large-scale retail achievements to date.
