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Westport-Weston Family Y officials announced today they have sold their downtown building for more than $20 million to an investor group. They said even if they do not secure a new building at Camp Mahackeno, they are committed to moving from the current facility within the next three to five years.
The Westport-Weston Family Y building will be sold for more than $20 million and become a mixture of retail, residential units and restaurants. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com file photo

Y officials told a press conference the buyer is Bedford Square Associates, made up of a Westport developer and others. The Y’s CEO, Helene Weir, said the final price in excess of $20 million will be determined by the timing of the move.

Bedford Square Associates is comprised of David Waldman of Westport-based David Adam Realty, B. Lance Sauerteig of BLS Strategic Capital, Paul Brandes of Charter Realty and Development and Daniel Zelson also of Charter Realty.

Waldman’s company owns the former Westport Bank and Trust building, which now houses Patagonia, across Church Lane from the YMCA building.

Westport officials are planning to invest in restoring the Emily McLaury House, which is located on the corner of Myrtle Avenue and Avery Place. The house would be rented to a municipal employee. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
By Jennifer Connic

Westport officials are seeking funds to renew a staff position to help preserve historical properties in the community as well as to restore an historical property owned by the town.

The Board of Finance last week approved adding a new staff position for the second half of the fiscal year for approximately $24,000 to assist the Historic District Commission. It also approved approximately $268,000 for the restoration of the Emily McLaury House, which is located at 99 Myrtle Ave.

Both items will head to the Representative Town Meeting for final approval in January.

First Selectman Gordon Joseloff said town officials have tried to sell the Emily McLaury House—which was designated as a local historical property in December 2005—four times, and it has become more expensive to fix.

Major retailer Crate & Barrel has signed a 10-year lease agreement for 37,253 square feet at 1200 Post Road East, Westport, in the complex known as Carriage Hill South, according to a realty news service.
Crate & Barrel will occupy three floors of Carriage Hill South on Post Road East next year. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com file photo

Costar Group said the Northbrook, Ill.-based company will take occupancy of three levels of the building late next year.

Built in 1978, 1200 Post Road East is a three-story, 51,277-square-foot office/retail building. Peter Van Witt of Newtown Group Properties LP acquired the building in 2005 for $10 million. (See WestportNow April 8,2005)

Crate & Barrel was founded in 1962 by a husband and wife team and has expanded to more than 7,000 employees with 145 locations in the United States.

Work has begun on the restoration and expansion of the historic Bradley House, located at 113 Sturges Highway on the Westport-Fairfield line.
A protracted battle between preservationists and developers ended with the saving of Bradley House where work is now underway. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

The circa 1800 home drew national attention last year when it was learned that the builder who had purchased the property planned to demolish it. (See WestportNow Nov. 14, 2005)

A protracted battle between the owner and concerned citizens ended amicably last fall with a compromise that preserves the original structure but allows for a substantial addition.

The owner of the Bradley House, Mark Iuraduri of I.K. Builders LLC, along with partner George Knapp and project manager Michael Horvath worked with noted local architect Jack Franzen to design a sympathetic expansion that minimally impacts the existing structure while incorporating everything that is important to today’s home buyer.