In
the mid-1980's, as the improvements to Interstate 84 were
nearing completion, approximately 300 acres of land north
of the interstate highway were vacant and undeveloped.
With the exception of an abandoned industrial facility,
a small local construction company, and a nine-hole golf
course the area had no streets, no public utilities, and
no development. However, these 300 acres were bracketed
by exits 62 and 63 of the newly improved I-84.
Also
in the mid-1980's, the Town of Manchester had zoned this
acreage for commercial purposes, including a mixed-use district
known as the Comprehensive Urban Development Zone.
With the zoning and access in place, this location became
ideal for commercial and residential development.
Major
freestanding retailers include the Home Depot, Wal-Mart,
Sports Authority, Borders Books, Office Max, and furniture
stores including Raymour & Flanigan and Ethan Allen.
Circuit City, Best Buy, and specialty electronics stores,
home furnishing stores, and discount stores are also in
the area.
Franchise
restaurants include TGI Friday's, Uno Chicago Grill, Outback
Steakhouse, Red Robin, Romano's Macaroni Grill, Hops Brew
House, Vinny T's, Chili's, John Harvard's, Olive Garden,
Bugaboo Creek Steak House, Panera's Bakery, and Starbucks,
to name a few.
The
greater Buckland Hills area also includes approximately
1600 luxury rate rental apartments, a 16-screen movie theater,
and neighborhood based retail. A number of hotel and
extended stay accomodations are also in Buckland Hills including
Courtyard by Marriott, Residence Inn and Extended Stay America.
