Greenwich Planning & zoning commission recently received a proposal for a zoning text amendment to allow a new fitness center at 100 East Putnam Ave in Cos Cob.
That is the 22-unit, three story mixed use development that P&Z approved under the town’s 6-110 regulation to encourage workforce housing.
Previously M&T Bank operated at 100 East Putnam as a legally non-conforming use. Originally the building was a Friendly’s restaurant.
100 East Putnam Ave. May 11, 2026 Photo: Leslie Yager
After Friendly’s closed, 100 East Putnam Ave was home to M&T Bank in 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager
Stand of trees on steep ledge were removed to make way for the 22-unit mixed use development submitted under the town’s 6-110 regulation to encourage workforce housing. March 12, 2020 Photo: Leslie Yager
According to the narrative from attorney O’Donnell the applicant wants to operate a “boutique fitness studio” with an accessory retail offering of aligned products. Programming would include a balanced mix of Pilates, barre, yoga, medication and breathwork. The applicant seeks to offer group classes as well as private and semi-private instruction.
This is a pre-application, limited to a 20 minute non binding discussion.
The applicant seeks a text change for a Group Fitness Center by special permit.
The building is in the LBR2 and COZ zones.
According to attorney O’Donnell, the applicant is Happy Hour Fitness, LLC, who are leasing retail space “B” in the ground floor level of the building.
Back in 2024, P&Z okayed a change of use from bank to medical spa for Pause Greenwich, also on the ground level of the development. While the medical spa use was also not an allowed use in the LBR2 zone, the commission ultimately determined the new non-conforming use would be no more non-conforming than the previous bank use.
At the time there was an extensive discussion about use of the windows facing the street. The commission asked that the window displays at Pause change periodically, rather than blocked from light light the ones at adjacent CVS which are filled with photograph blow ups.
See also:
P&Z Watch: Pause Medical Spa Okayed in Mixed Use Building at Former Friendly’s Site
Oct 2024
In Greenwich, “Hands-On” Businesses Put the Squeeze on Traditional Retail
July 28, 2024
P&Z Advances Application for Moderate Income, Mixed-Use Development at Former Friendly’s
May 6, 2020
Marhc 2020