Photo courtesy of Cooper Robertson

As Middletown launches a study on the future of its riverfront, the city has opened a downtown storefront to serve as a hub of the community conversation.

Located at 386 Main St., the “Return to the Riverbend” center will include interactive displays on the area and will survey residents on opinions about future redevelopment.

The city selected New York architects Cooper Robertson this year to lead a planning study of the 200-acre section located between Route 9 and the Connecticut River. The goal is to reconnect the area to the downtown and rezone the existing industrial area to encourage redevelop with potential uses such as a hotel, housing, marina and recreation space.

“When cities and towns make a concerted effort to plan for the future of their built environment, it’s our experience that community members often bring some of the most insightful and influential ideas. But finding the right way for people to learn about the planning process and share their input can be challenging. That’s why an inspiring and interactive physical space like the Return to the Riverbend storefront is such a useful resource,” Cooper Robertson Partner Mike Aziz said in a statement.

The community engagement process began Oct. 12 with a virtual workshop. The storefront is open weekdays from 8:30 to 4:30 pm. and is staffed by city employees.