It’s been happening slowly, the entire plaza is almost gone. I just can’t believe that something is actually happening to this place. I remember that plaza being a major shopping center. I think the theater actually came down on 7/13. To be honest, I’m shocked it didn’t happen earlier. I took a few pictures and videos. I’ll have to find someway to upload them (not a facebooker or myspace guy)
I spoke to Dorcal Associates today at (203) 674-0777 and I was told that the property is being sold and is currently under contract. Who knows if that is true, but I expect that after Jo-Ann’s moves, you will see the buildings bulldozed and the site re-developed. Apparently water is available from the Raymour and Flanagan Plaza The laundromat will be kicked to the curb and the Fine Arts Theater Demolished.
Jo-Ann Fabric’s is moving very soon. Which now leaves only the laundromat.
The tax office only has Dorcal Associates on file as the property owner, who pays the taxes on time every year. No contact person is listed but I understand the Fire Marshall’s Office, the police dept and the Assessors office has been looking for a contact person for a couple of years now. Seems like they are intentionally keeping this place a big mystery. I expect that one day they will fence off the property and bulldoze the place down.
I just found that out, thanks for the info. I’m going to stop at the tax office in Brookfield and see what on file for this place. I personally don’t see anything happening with this plaza. Building codes are to strict when it comes to fire suppression. Kohls just dug two more wells and built a new pump house I think because the Fire Marshall & the town made them.
I think Dorothy died a few years ago. I haven’t heard anything about Carl. But your right, they are millionaires. There is a management company out of Stamford called Dorcal Associates that is “taking care of” the plaza. Name sounds too close to Carl and Dorothy, maybe an company created to manage the estate and all the funds? I’m going to see if I can find out if Dorothy died and if Carl is still alive.
Interesting read, this plaza isn’t going anywhere until they figure out the water problem. Danbury can’t supply enough and neither can New Milford or Newtown. One day the buildings will burn down (lightning may strike lol) or eventually crumble into pieces. Either way, the buildings will continue deteriorate.
Ironic that a plaza with water problems has a laundromat in the plaza that most likely uses more water than Kohl’s ever could.
If you drive around back, they have been doing some work on the pump house behind Kohls. I imagine there must be a master plan for this plaza, the property is worth millions. I don’t understand why business’s continually have dropped out and never returned. I can remember when the plaza was filled with the exception of one or two vacancies. Access from Federal Road & Candlewood lake road makes it an ideal retail location.
The Laundromat does attract a lot of business and at all hours of the night. I wonder if the owner of the Laundromat is looking for space elsewhere.
I will never understand this stuff, maybe one day when I’m independently wealthy I can sit on a property worth millions let the building fall apart and slowly kick all my tenants out.
Went there today first time in the plaza for me in a long time. I can’t believe the condition of the buildings. The old Johns best restaurant is covered in mold, the adjacent stores “Mediterranean Specialties†and “Express Photo of Brookfield†are also in similar condition. I have no idea when the last time Mediterranean Specialties or Express Photo were open. The other notable thing is the parking lot is completely destroyed. Talk about pothole heaven.
There is evidence of people trying to break in on the north side double doors. They managed to make a gap of about 4 inches permantally bending the doors. You can see in but not far. I’m sure Mr. & Mrs. Raccoon have made a nice home inside. Doors still won’t budge. Not sure how long the damage has been there. Whoever sealed that place up did a good job.
I did a quick walk around I was unable to see any doors or windows above.
Are you suggesting I gain access via the roof? I’m not a rock climber….
Perhaps correspondence via email is more appropriate?
Is this “easy way in” accessible with one person? Or should I bring a friend. Is it even worth going in? Based on yours and others descriptions what could be left there other than the presence of vandals. Any Police trouble?
Why can’t people leave anything the way they found it?
FYI, the fire sprinklers did some damage to Johns Best last winter and the other southern adjacent stores. The plaza at this point is destroyed. Time to tear down the place, sorry to say.
http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z327/historybuff614/
It’s been happening slowly, the entire plaza is almost gone. I just can’t believe that something is actually happening to this place. I remember that plaza being a major shopping center. I think the theater actually came down on 7/13. To be honest, I’m shocked it didn’t happen earlier. I took a few pictures and videos. I’ll have to find someway to upload them (not a facebooker or myspace guy)
demolished………rip
View link
Laundromat is now closed. The entire plaza is now vacant.
I spoke to Dorcal Associates today at (203) 674-0777 and I was told that the property is being sold and is currently under contract. Who knows if that is true, but I expect that after Jo-Ann’s moves, you will see the buildings bulldozed and the site re-developed. Apparently water is available from the Raymour and Flanagan Plaza The laundromat will be kicked to the curb and the Fine Arts Theater Demolished.
does any body have any pictures of the interior or exterior from when it was open?
Jo-Ann Fabric’s is moving very soon. Which now leaves only the laundromat.
The tax office only has Dorcal Associates on file as the property owner, who pays the taxes on time every year. No contact person is listed but I understand the Fire Marshall’s Office, the police dept and the Assessors office has been looking for a contact person for a couple of years now. Seems like they are intentionally keeping this place a big mystery. I expect that one day they will fence off the property and bulldoze the place down.
View link
Jeff, you might find this picture interesting.
I just found that out, thanks for the info. I’m going to stop at the tax office in Brookfield and see what on file for this place. I personally don’t see anything happening with this plaza. Building codes are to strict when it comes to fire suppression. Kohls just dug two more wells and built a new pump house I think because the Fire Marshall & the town made them.
I think Dorothy died a few years ago. I haven’t heard anything about Carl. But your right, they are millionaires. There is a management company out of Stamford called Dorcal Associates that is “taking care of” the plaza. Name sounds too close to Carl and Dorothy, maybe an company created to manage the estate and all the funds? I’m going to see if I can find out if Dorothy died and if Carl is still alive.
View link
Interesting read, this plaza isn’t going anywhere until they figure out the water problem. Danbury can’t supply enough and neither can New Milford or Newtown. One day the buildings will burn down (lightning may strike lol) or eventually crumble into pieces. Either way, the buildings will continue deteriorate.
Ironic that a plaza with water problems has a laundromat in the plaza that most likely uses more water than Kohl’s ever could.
If you drive around back, they have been doing some work on the pump house behind Kohls. I imagine there must be a master plan for this plaza, the property is worth millions. I don’t understand why business’s continually have dropped out and never returned. I can remember when the plaza was filled with the exception of one or two vacancies. Access from Federal Road & Candlewood lake road makes it an ideal retail location.
The Laundromat does attract a lot of business and at all hours of the night. I wonder if the owner of the Laundromat is looking for space elsewhere.
I will never understand this stuff, maybe one day when I’m independently wealthy I can sit on a property worth millions let the building fall apart and slowly kick all my tenants out.
Jo-Ann Fabric’s is moving north into the Shop Rite Plaza at 143 Federal Road. Only thing left at this point is the laundromat.
I wonder what is going to happen.
my email is
Went there today first time in the plaza for me in a long time. I can’t believe the condition of the buildings. The old Johns best restaurant is covered in mold, the adjacent stores “Mediterranean Specialties†and “Express Photo of Brookfield†are also in similar condition. I have no idea when the last time Mediterranean Specialties or Express Photo were open. The other notable thing is the parking lot is completely destroyed. Talk about pothole heaven.
There is evidence of people trying to break in on the north side double doors. They managed to make a gap of about 4 inches permantally bending the doors. You can see in but not far. I’m sure Mr. & Mrs. Raccoon have made a nice home inside. Doors still won’t budge. Not sure how long the damage has been there. Whoever sealed that place up did a good job.
I did a quick walk around I was unable to see any doors or windows above.
Are you suggesting I gain access via the roof? I’m not a rock climber….
Perhaps correspondence via email is more appropriate?
ClothCanopy……
When was the last time you were in?
Is this “easy way in” accessible with one person? Or should I bring a friend. Is it even worth going in? Based on yours and others descriptions what could be left there other than the presence of vandals. Any Police trouble?
Why can’t people leave anything the way they found it?
FYI, the fire sprinklers did some damage to Johns Best last winter and the other southern adjacent stores. The plaza at this point is destroyed. Time to tear down the place, sorry to say.
Anybody been in recently?
I live in the area and have always been curious about that place.
I’m not interested in breaking or destroying anything just to look around.
I am worried about police of course, but more worried about possible residents?
Any input here?