Armata's Decides To Forego Rebuilding At Former Location

LONGMEADOW, MA — Nearly two years after a devastating fire destroyed a small shopping plaza less than 500 feet from the Enfield border, the plaza's largest tenant has announced it is scrapping its plan to rebuild on the same site.

Armata's Market, a locally-owned, independent full-service grocer noted for its custom-cut, high-quality meats for more than 55 years, had planned to rebuild on the same site at the Maple Center Shopping Center at 909 Shaker Road.

The early-morning fire on Nov. 22, 2021 destroyed the grocery store, the Bottle Shop liquor store and four other small businesses. Since the blaze, Armata's began operating at the Village Food Mart in Hampden.

Owner Alexis Vallides issued a statement Wednesday indicating the store will not return to its original location. She cited "the high rebuilding costs and lengthy timeline" as factors in the decision.