A designer and provider of luxury home and commercial gym equipment and is on track to take over the former Connecticut Muffin space downtown, records show.
Sportova, which grew out of a predecessor Boston-based home furniture and decor company, is seeking site plan approval at 108 Main St. from the Planning & Zoning Commission. The space has been vacant since Connecticut Muffin closed in December following decades in business.
The retail use is allowed under the New Canaan Zoning Regulations—with site plan approval—“and appears similar to other showroom type retail stores the Commission has recently approved within the Retail A Zone,” Town Planner Sarah Carey wrote in her memo to P&Z ahead of its meeting Tuesday night.
Referring to what is known locally as “the Raymond Building,” she continued: “The applicant is also seeking approval to remove the metal bars currently placed over the building’s second floor windows and would like to paint the newly exposed bricks black. The white square panels on the rest of the façade are proposed to stay. The yellow/tan brick that is currently hidden behind the bars will likely clash with the existing paneling on the building. Most painted brick in downtown is some shade of gray. The color black can be seen in various places throughout downtown as an accent color on awnings, doors, and window trim. Staff has asked the applicant to provide color swatches for the Commission’s review.”
P&Z is expected to take up the site plan application during its meeting that starts 7 p.m. Tuesday.
According to the company’s website, Sportova provides upscale fitness equipment. It “stands as a testament to our belief in blending aesthetic appeal with premium functionality,” according to the company website. “We aim to do more than just fit into luxurious spaces; we strive to become an integral part of them. While our journey began in Boston, our vision for Sportova spans beyond, hoping to cater to elite cities across the USA. Our mission is simple: deliver top-tier luxury gym equipment without compromise. With Sportova, expect both superior design and unmatched quality.”
Brands associated with Sportova include Pent Luxury Fitness, Nohrn/Water Rower, Still Fit, Fysik and Ciclotte. Equipment and accessories include benches, medicine balls, exercise bikes, weight and fitness sets, yoga equipment and machines such as treadmills and rowers, according to the site.
“Discover our exclusive range of Luxury Fitness Machines, where traditional European craftsmanship meets timeless design,” the site says. “Each machine is meticulously assembled using premium materials, including hand-finished hardwoods, polished stainless steel, and top-grain leather, creating pieces that serve as both exceptional training tools and sophisticated furniture.”