Less than two years ago, the joint venture team of Winstanley Enterprises and Surrey Equities acquired the historic Norwichtown Mall with a vision of rejuvenating the shopping center into thriving retail space.
Recently the development team gathered with business, political and community leaders at a public event to celebrate the official grand opening of Norwichtown Commons.
State senator Cathy Osten, state representative Kevin Ryan, Mayor Peter Nystrom, city manager Alan Bergren and several members of the city council headlined a group of dignitaries joining Winstanley Enterprises and Surrey Equities to celebrate this official milestone. The group recognized the community effort that was put forward to make the project a success, and also showcased the retailers that call Norwichtown Commons home.
The development team broke ground on Norwichtown Commons in May of 2012, and has reconfigured the mall into an open air retail complex of 160,000 s/f. The former mall now features improved parking and visibility.
Norwichtown Commons currently features Stop & Shop, Dress Barn, Lucky House restaurant Fancy Nails, Hair Cuttery, Petsense, Dollar Tree and Big Lots. Soon to open will be Planet Fitness and Yogurt City, while a few retail spaces remain available for lease.
"We could not be more proud to see the vision that we had nearly two years ago transformed into reality here today," said Adam Winstanley, a principal of Winstanley Enterprises.
"We especially applaud the retailers who have chosen Norwich as your home for years to come," said Edward Silvera, president and principal of Surrey Equities. "This community has fond memories of the Norwichtown Mall, and now has the chance to create future memories here at Norwichtown Commons."