YMCA Buys Red Barn Property for $2.8 Million

UPDATE After months of no comments, the Westport Weston Family YMCA today announced what had been long rumored—it has purchased the Red Barn Restaurant property adjoining its new Camp Mahackeno headquarters.

Bargain hunters lined up outside the shuttered Red Barn restaurant in July as it held a liquidation sale. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

No price was disclosed in an announcement, but a filing with the Town Clerk Office made shortly after the announcement said it was $2.8 million.

The 3.2-acre parcel at 292 Wilton Road, which includes the restaurant building and separate house, was owned by members of the Nistico family, who operated the Red Barn Restaurant from 1983 until July.

The restaurant, which had operated on the site since the late 1930s, closed abruptly in early July and on July 17 began a two-day liquidation sale.

“This is a unique opportunity for our YMCA—a long-term investment that allows us to preserve neighborhood values and, ultimately, utilize the property for the benefit of our members and the community we have served since 1923,” said CEO Pat Riemersma.

The volunteer leaders who govern the Family YMCA, a charitable nonprofit organization, are in the process of developing a plan that will provide guidance as to the future use of the property, the announcement said.

It said the Y has established a Limited Liability Company, known as 290 Wilton Road LLC, as part of the transaction.