Official Caldor to Stew's Newington topic

[XISMZERO]

For anyone whose been on The Berlin Turnpike in Newington, Connecticut (right on the Berlin border), you might know there?s Connecticut?s last remaining empty original built-from-the-ground-up Caldor building. For seven years, following the chain?s closure, the building has seen no further occupants aside from nearby locations who?ve used the property for storage and/or space. After years of failed opportunities, 2005 saw hope for the site as there have been concrete plans (pardon the pun) to finally make something of the empty building. Local Connecticut grocery chain "Stew Leonard's" plans to open another "fresh farm market" right on the old location soon making Caldor's site no more.

This thread is dedicated to that familiar vacant building that has been plaguing business on the Turnpike for years but also serving up memories to those who?ve shopped at Caldor in the past. Currently, Stew Leonard?s construction has since decimated the building?s original design and is slowly transforming into something grand. Even if you?ve never been there, you?ll be able to watch the transformation process with me as I proclaim this project.

For any pictures from earlier this year, you'll find gobs of them on the Caldor topic posted by myself and others. Also look at my Newington Fair album (located in my signature) which displays some later pre-construction photos of the site.

If anyone lives in and/or around Connecticut and would like to contribute, go right ahead! I will be continuing with weekly (and sometimes bi-weekly) updates. Enjoy!

[XISMZERO]

I drove by today after my Math final at 9:30-ish and here's what I was greeted to. It would appear they're gutting the building right now from the east doors now completely torn away.

[XISMZERO]

See the contrast? Then and Now.

[XISMZERO]

Signature "Welcome" sign and white-grid ceiling revealed.

[XISMZERO]

From March to May...

[XISMZERO]

After a month of no work on the building, I came across the Berlin Turnpike and found them tearing away the building's shell.

[TRU7536]

As of june 9th, the whole front wall in completly gone! i drove by yesturday, the Caldor sign is now been taken off the wall, the inside has benn gutted out, i will try to take pics!

[XISMZERO]

Here's some of the faces of the building...

[d_fife]

construction of the old caldor as of july 20, 2006 and it says coming soon stew leonard's

[d_fife]

Originally posted by d_fife
construction of the old caldor as of july 20, 2006 and it says coming soon stew leonard's

more of the old caldor

[d_fife]

Originally posted by d_fife

Originally posted by d_fife
construction of the old caldor as of july 20, 2006 and it says coming soon stew leonard's

more of the old caldor

sign

[d_fife]

Originally posted by d_fife

Originally posted by d_fife

Originally posted by d_fife
construction of the old caldor as of july 20, 2006 and it says coming soon stew leonard's

more of the old caldor

sign

stew leonard's construction sign

[jmcnamara96]

any pictures of it finised

[XISMZERO]

Here's what Stew Leonard's looked like shortly after it opened. This was taken in June 2007.

The store has since added a Sleepy's on the far-left side and has also been repainted gray.

I abandoned this thread but I have a full gallery of the metamorphosis on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/10073060@N00/sets/72157600537217621/

[jmcnamara96]

Wow that sweet and you graped those recipe papers on your album i wish i had one

[TRU7536]

Its so weird to see the "Newington Fair" sign all filled up with store names. Thats never happened in its history until this year.

1. Stew Leonards
2. Toys R Us
3.Sams Club
4. LA Fitness
5. Sleepys

And the color of Stews is different now.

[TRU7536]

The main sign of the Plaza prior to Sams and LA Fitness. Xismzero, i took this from your flicker page.

[TRU7536]

The 2010 Signage with all stores at the plaza. First time in its 16 year history all slots are filled. Credit to "Kaizenverdants" from his flicker page.

[TRU7536]

Here is the former Service Merchandise/Stickleys, now LA Fitness

[Caldor1999]

Here is Caldor years before it got boarded up. I dont know if this picture was taken when it was still open or after it closed, The tinted windows make it hard to tell