Finding a New Anchor Store at the Old Blockbuster

Let's call this a modern spin on community planning - Patch's version of a charette, a digital drawing board where all ideas are on the table.

Each week we'll present a new vacant building and ask you to tell us what you think would be the best use. Forget what zone it's in, ignore setback regulations, dump lot coverage rules and all the other zoning jargon that puts people most to sleep. If you had your way, what would you like to see there? What would be the best use for the community?

So let's be honest for a moment. That that shut down and pulled out of the plaza on Main Street? It's sort of become something of an eyesore, hasn't it?

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It's time to find a new anchor store for the plaza and today, Southington Patch is reaching out to you to get your opinion. Get ready people, because we need your help - and so does the town of Southington.

Dowtown Southington may be thriving, but life has been rough for businesses in the plaza. Blockbuster, the former anchor store, closed after about a decade of business in town and the storefront next door has been vacant for years after the locationfell victim to a fire.

Previously, the Blockbuster location at 200 Main St. served as home to CVS (as the pictures clearly indicate), but the store moved after opening a new home down the road.

There are some positives, however. Several successful restaurants still fill the plaza. There is a launromat nearby, several gas stations and has provided some revival along Eden Avenue. There are two salons within walking distance and the location is just a short distance from the downtown business district.

Now, we need some anchor store ideas here. Liquor store ideas and sexually-oriented businesses need not apply, so let's get a bit creative. How would you see the store filled? What anchor store or chain could breathe some life back in the plaza? Let us know today!

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