The modern, two-story building that’s been taking shape this year in a prominent, conspicuous location opposite the train station on Elm Street is set to welcome its first major tenant in the coming weeks, officials say.
The “new” Stewarts Spirits building, located just east of the iconic Walter Stewart’s Market on Elm Street, is on track for a grand opening this fall. Credit: Michael Dinan
Stewarts Spirits, the fine wine shop added in 1974 to the New Canaan’s family’s longtime market by Robert Bailey Stewart—grandson of Walter and Nellie Stewart and son of Walter A. Stewart Sr. and Audrey Bailey Stewart—is on track to open in the brand-new structure this fall, according to Doug Stewart.
“We are excited that the new home of Stewart’s Wine & Spirits is taking shape and we seem to be in the home stretch,” he said.
A rendering of plans for Walter Stewart’s Market after Stewart’s Spirits moves into a dedicated space just across the lot from the iconic Elm Street business. Rendering from Frederick William Hoag Architect
The shop will occupy the 1,623-square-foot first floor of the building, designed by Westport-based Frederick William Hoag Architect.
Melissa Engel, who owns the property and has overseen the new building’s construction as project manager, said the glass walls of the second floor space will go in this week. After power is switched on last week and the .28-acre site’s parking lot is paved and striped, the keys will be handed to the Stewarts for their own interior fit-out, she said.
Stewart family photo, 1956. Courtesy of the Stewart family
“They have beautiful plans—well lit and modern and fresh, I’m just really pleased with how it turned out and what the Stewarts are doing with the interior,” Engel said.
It isn’t clear yet who will occupy the second floor, though whoever does will have a unique view of New Canaan, looking south, out over the train station, she said.
Nellie and Walter Stewart. Photo courtesy of the Stewart family
“I like the fact that it [the building] is grounded by a family-owned business and I love the fact that the ground floor is rented by them [the Stewarts],” Engel said. “They’re a wonderful institution in their community and I’m so proud they have chosen this building to move their liquor store. I think it’s a new era for them and for us. It’s an incredibly lucky occurrence for us to build something brand-new but to be anchored by an establishment like Stewarts Spirits.”