Great news. The North Greenwich Shopping Center, formerly home to the IGA Supermarket, is getting a major tenant. This fall Greenwich Fitness will open in the hub of the shopping center.
“It’s a 3,000 sq ft space in the newly renovated shopping center,” said commercial realtor Diane Roth of Allied Property Group.
The fitness center will service residents of both Connecticut and New York. Indeed, the tag line for the shopping center is, “A distinctive shopping center where Greenwich and Stamford meet Bedford and Armonk.”
“We are a community-focused, family-friendly gym specializing in group classes and personal training,” said owner Craig DeCollibus who aims to make Greenwich Fitness a home away from home for clients. “We believe everyone has a right to proper health and wellness, and should have fun while doing it.”
Roth said the shopping center is being populated with businesses that people in back country have been yearning for for two reasons.
“When owners focus on renovating their buildings making them more attractive, and people say, ‘Let me give this a second look. I could picture my business in there now.’ And that’s exactly what happened on North street,” Roth said.
Today the busy shopping center includes a caterer, café/market, bank, pizza parlor, florist, pharmacy and wine shop.
The other reason is that the Planning & Zoning commission broadened the list of potential uses in the the LBR 1 zone.
Specifically, that zone now includes Fitness Clubs; Group Fitness Centers/Gyms; Day-Care Centers; Walk-in Medical Clinics; Sales Agencies of Real Estate or Insurance; Art Galleries; and Schools, both profit and non-profit. However, if the School use requires student drop-off, then a special permit application would required.
“This is an important example of the Town working with building owners to understand their needs and allow for expanded uses in their buildings,” Roth said. “Fitness was not previously allowed.”
“It’s a win-win for not only the business and Town to come together, but the residents in the area now benefit by having services where they live. It’s a 20 minute drive to downtown,” she continued, a fact that back county residents are all too aware of.
Roth said Happiness Is, a catering operation that has been a long time tenant of the shopping center, extended their footprint to open Back Country Market & Cafe in December 2017, and is doing very well.
“The owner helped them with their build out there,” Roth said. “And now a business opens and becomes successful.”
Even better, Roth said, having these businesses and services adds value to the homes in the neighborhood.
There’s remains about 3,000 sq ft of space for lease in the front of the shopping center. “It could be another fitness studio, child day care or learning center. We’re looking for all types of phone calls,” Roth said.
Roth can be reached at 203.661.5800.
See also:
Hopes Diminish for a Supermarket in North Street Shopping Center