More than 400 people gathered at Steelpointe Harbor on Sunday to welcome a major anchor tenant — national outdoor retailer Bass Pro Shops, to the 50-acre development situated on Long Island Sound.
Mayor Bill Finch, Governor Dannel Malloy, Bass Pro Shops Founder Johnny Morris, developer Robert Christoph Sr. and his son, Robert Christoph Jr., and a host of outdoors celebrities from the world of fishing, bullriding and NASCAR joined a crowd of local, state, and federal dignitaries to unveil the plans for the 150,000 square-foot store, the size of 4-1/2 football field.
“Today’s announcement marks a historic moment for the City of Bridgeport and Steelpointe Harbor. Bass Pro Shops’ investment in Bridgeport will create hundreds of jobs, generate new tax revenues and bring economic growth to the City. They are a proven brand that will generate interest and attract customers from throughout the region. Bass Pro Shops is committed to Bridgeport and we are proud to have them as a major anchor tenant at Steelpointe Harbor,” said Mayor Bill Finch.
“I want to thank Governor Malloy and his commitment to broadening economic development and job creation in our state. We stand ready, willing and able to support this project and to work with the Governor’s office and the DECD commissioner to bring jobs to Connecticut,” Mayor Finch added.
The agreement is the culmination of almost a year of discussions and meetings between the City, State and Bass Pro Shops.
“This is about jobs, and it’s great news for the City of Bridgeport,” said Governor Dannel P. Malloy. “Bass Pro will be a draw for people from throughout the region, one that will help revive the local economy. I look forward to solidifying state support for the agreement in the coming weeks. I want to congratulate the Mayor and his team on a job well done and welcome Bass Pro to Bridgeport.”
“We are very excited to bring Bass Pro Shops to Bridgeport to be part of this major development,” stated Johnny Morris, Founder of Bass Pro Shops. “We’re happy to be working with the City and Robert Christoph, Sr., and his son, Robert. Jr. It is incredible to have the opportunity to place a store on Long Island Sound at the center of one of the largest retail trade areas in America with over 12 million people within a 50-mile radius. The area’s long history of great fishing and hunting traditions along with this highly visible and accessible location make it the perfect place to allow us to better serve our many customers and all the outdoor enthusiasts that visit and live in this beautiful part of the country,” Morris continued.
“The announcement of Bass Pro Shops as a major anchor tenant at Bridgeport’s Steelpointe Harbor redefines this community’s retail image for years to come. When open, shoppers from all over Connecticut, Long Island and Eastern New York will be coming to Bridgeport to shop and enjoy the new Bridgeport experience,” said Robert Christoph Sr., of Bridgeport Landing Development, developers of Steelpointe Harbor.
“This announcement is just the beginning of what will take shape at Steelpointe Harbor. Soon, infrastructure improvements on the peninsula will begin, and during the next 18 to 24 months you should see the widening of roadways and expansion of utility capacity. This project will bring hundreds of construction jobs and much needed upgrades to our roads and utilities which will help build the foundation for further expansion on Steelpointe,” he added.
