By Dave Matlow
Westport developer Rob Haroun and Sir Development have announced an agreement with two new retailers, Steven Alan and Paper Source, for 100 Post Road East, adjacent to the Old Town Hall at 90 Post Road East.
Steven Alan, a clothier, and Paper Source will occupy new commercial building next to Westrport’s old Town Hall.. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
The stone official home of town government built in 1909 is currently occupied by Spruce Home and Garden and, on the second floor, offices of a British-based hedge fund, Blue Crest Capital. Haroun referred to the newly developed commercial enterprise as Old Town Hall Square.
He said Steven Alan is a rapidly expanding West Coast based men’s and women’s clothing and accessories business that began in 1994. Haroun, who describes Steven Alan as “an upscale J. Crew,” said that the store will sell “classic American attire” and that Westport will be its first eastern location outside of New York City where there are six stores with another five stores in California.
Paper Source, with locations in 21 states and D.C., is described by Haroun as “a candy store for paper.” He said the store “enhances the creative process by offering the ingredients and ideas for customers of all ages” to create wrapping, photo albums and a wide range of creative paper products.
Haroun said that months ago many Westporters wanted to restrict the number of banks in town.
“No such regulations had to be created to limit the expansion of banks,” he said. “It was the free market of commerce that determined what businesses would be attracted to available space. The market prevailed.”
In addition to Spruce and the financial firm, 90 Post Road East will feature the Old Town Hall Restaurant on the lower level.
“Shoppers turning the corner from Main Street to Post Road East no longer will find Restoration Hardware as the final store for shopping,” Haroun said.
“Post Road East has expanded the shopping district with Patagonia, Urban Outfitters. Spruce, the two new stores to open later this year, the new restaurant that will occupy the old Main Post Office and Michele’s Pies. The landscape of Westport’s downtown is changing.”
