Site Of Beloved Farmington Store To Be Nail Salon

FARMINGTON, CT — The site of a beloved gift/craft store in town that shuttered late last year after 50 years will now become a nail salon.

The Farmington Planning and Zoning Commission last week unanimously approved a special permit for applicant Qui Juan Chen to open a nail salon at the 902 Farmington Ave. site, which was formerly home to the Design Forum jewelry/crafts/gift shop.

Chen said the salon would be by appointment only, with the salon open seven days a week to start.

She went before the PZC at its last meeting on Jan. 22 to present her permit application and answer questions from zoning board members.

Chen said the operation, at first, would employ four, but she said if business allows it, the plan is to eventually expand to eight.

The owner of the property, Robert Armenta, said the application's parking plan is conducive to normal operations and shouldn't be a problem.

He owns the site and the Modern Tire & Automotive Service operation at that location.

"Fortunately, the busier times for the nail salon business are the times that are not as busy as us," Armenta said.

During a public hearing before the PZC vote, no one spoke for or against the application and the zoning board easily approved the application with no discussion.

The application approval comes after Design Forum's owners — Bill and Joan Handler — closed the business after 50 years in town to retire.

The Handlers announced the store being put up for sale in March 2023, but opted to close last fall as no buyers were found.

From Oct. 18, 2023: 'Beloved Farmington Gift Store Set To Close'

For the minutes of the Jan. 22 Farmington Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, click on this link.