Plans to convert the Westport Rehabilitation Complex on Burr Road and Post Road East into a 50-room hotel are still active, the attorney for 1 Burr Road LLC said today.

An early rendering of The Westport Hotel. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed graphic

Leonard Braman’s comments came in response to a Westport News story that the rehabilitation complex would remain open. Braman, who met for a pre application hearing with the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) on June 6, said the owner is moving ahead with plans for The Westport Hotel.

“We are still working on the project,” said Braman. “At this time, we’re taking into consideration the input we received at the preapp meeting with the P&Z and other ideas based on community outreach.

“We’re talking to all the sources we can,” he added. “We got helpful feedback from the Planning and Zoning Commission, and we’re still in the process.”

Taylor Place, a consignment boutique at 24 Taylor Place, closes today after three years. The site was formerly occupied by Jacadi children’s attire and was converted to Chic Jolie, a women’s apparel shop which closed in April 2013. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Lovesac, a furniture retailer, specializing in a “designed for life” patented modular furniture system called “sactionals” will open a showroom at 68 Post Road East in the space previously occupied by Max’s Art Supplies, adjacent to Restoration Hardware. Headquartered in Stamford, Lovesac has showrooms in 32 states and, in addition to its Connecticut presence in the 2,500-square foot space in Westport, LoveSac showrooms will open soon in Greenwich and West Hartford. The Danbury Mall is its only currently operating showroom in the state. Max’s, a Westport mainstay, was an unofficial headquarters for Westport artists since it opened in 1956 until it closed in 2014. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

By Dave Matlow

Westport’s Main Street is about to take on a new retail look with new additions and current tenants changing addresses.

New and old retailers are readying new space on Westport’s Main Street. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

According to Sharon Maddern, managing director, brokerage, at David Adam Realty, players involved include longtime tenant Lululemon Athletica as well as new arrivals Sundance and Johnny Was.

Lululemon, 91 Main St., will relocate to the space formerly occupied by Nike at 69 Main St., she said. The move will double space of the leisure clothing retailer.

Johnny Was, a women’s bohemian fashion retailer, will open at shared address 69 Main St., the former location of Allen Edmonds. It is the first store in Connecticut for the women’s fashion brand.

Viva Zapata, the iconic Mexican restaurant in the heart of Saugatuck, will hold a party Saturday from noon until closing to celebrate its 50th year in business. The restaurant first opened in 1969 on Post Road East near what is now Playhouse Square and was owned by Duke and Jette Merdinger. After a fire destroyed the building later that year, the restaurant moved to its current location on Riverside Avenue in Saugatuck. Longtime employee Bob O’Mahony partnered with his brother-in-law Harry Brady and bought the restaurant from the Merdingers in 1993. They have owned and operated it since. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Chez 180, a gourmet restaurant under the guidance of Chef Carlos Perez, will open in the late summer at 180 Post Road East. According to Brookfield-based architect Christian Frye, Perez was co-owner of the former La Palette Bakery Cafe in Watertown. Chez 180, located directly across the street from three restaurants, Trattoria Finalmente, Jeera Thai and Le Penguin, will have 3,000 square feet and seat 40 patrons. It will feature a variety of cuisines and specialties, including fresh baked breads, pastries and desserts. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com