Business

Stewarts Spirits To Open Friday in New Elm Street Building

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One of New Canaan’s best-established anchor businesses is set to open Friday in a brand-new, open, naturally lit and highly visible commercial space on Elm Street. Stewarts Spirits in moving across the parking lot from Walter Stewart’s Market, has doubled its floor space, according to New Canaan brothers Doug and Alex Stewart, great-grandsons of Walter and Nellie Stewart. “We are really excited,” Doug Stewart said as he joined store manager John Robinson and others stocking the tall shelves and wide new refrigerator at 215 Elm St. “It’s been a lot of work, and the work has paid off. We’re excited to open.

Business

Stewarts Spirits To Move Into New Elm Street Building This Fall

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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. 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. 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.

Business

Parking Relief Sought for New Elm Street Building, Future Home of Stewarts Spirits

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The owner of an Elm Street commercial lot that soon will see a new two-story building go up—a structure that officials say will serve, in part, as a future location for Stewarts Spirits—is seeking some relief from a local parking requirement as a basement level now also is proposed. Permits to construct the 3,011-square-foot building on the .28-acre lot at 215 Elm St.—located just east of Walter Stewart’s Market and Stewarts Spirits—already have been secured. Now, the property’s owner, Melissa Engel, is seeking to create a 1,598-square-foot basement which, under the New Canaan Zoning Regulations (see page 109 here), triggers the need for six additional parking spaces. The parcel’s site plan, as it is, will fall three spaces short. Engel is seeking relief under Section 6.2.E.2 of the zoning regs (page 112 here).

Around Town

Letter: Library Thanks Community for Successful Speakeasy, One Book New Canaan

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On Wednesday evening March 25, New Canaan Library wrapped up its month-long One Book New Canaan exploration of Bill Bryson’s One Summer: America, 1927 with a wildly successful Speakeasy event. Thanks to an enthusiastic community, and the goodwill of so many New Canaan merchants, the Library was able to create a spirited and fun evening for all who attended. With many guests arriving in authentic 1920s style, the Adrian Lamb Room was transformed into a true, Prohibition era Speakeasy complete with jazz piano and delicious samplings and tastings from our supporting local merchants and vendors. New Canaan Library gratefully acknowledges the participation and donations of New Canaan businesses and Chamber members: ONE HOPE Wine, Carpe Diem, Charter Oak Brewing Company, Fjord Fish Market, Forever Sweet Bakery, J. Hilbrun Men’s Clothiers, Little’s Specialty Foods, New Canaan Wine Merchants, New Canaan Olive Oil, Sorelle Gallery, South End, Venture Photography, Walter Stewart’s Market and Stewarts Spirits. The Library also deeply appreciates the support of Karl Chevrolet, National Charity League, PJ Marcella and Susan Freedgood and always, the membership of New Canaan Library.