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?
Southington Patch is launching this new weekly feature with a look inside the just north of Interstate 84 on Queen Street. In an otherwise fairly occupied plaza, there is nothing left in the former electronics department store location to the north end.
The plaza has seen it's ups and downs, with vibrant commerce once surrounding the Shaw's store that once anchored this commercial strip mall. Bernie's was the anchor at the end, providing electronics items or all kinds for area residents.
Shaw's went out of business in the mid-2000's and several other stores with it. Bernie's managed to survive and appeared to be positioned well when Shop-Rite took over the former Shaw's location.
In early 2010, however, the chain went bankrupt and eventually closed it's doors in Southington, as well as at eight other locations across the state.
It's been over a year and a half now and any signs of the former occupant no longer exist. So today we are asking, if you could see anything at that location, what would it be?
