Years After OK, Project For Former Greenwich Bowling Alley Site Receives Approval Extension

GREENWICH, CT — The Planning & Zoning Commission on June 22, 2021, granted approval to a local developer to build 14 loft-style residential units in the "moth-balled" space of a former theater and bowling alley in Greenwich, but the project never got off the ground.

Last week, the commission voted to extend the approvals for the project for an additional five years through June 21, 2031.

The decision letter from June 2021 indicated that work should be completed within five years of approval pursuant to town regulations unless an extension is obtained from the commission.

Chip Haslun, the attorney representing the developer, Paradigm 44-48 West Putnam Avenue LLC, appeared before the commission during the Jan. 21 meeting to ask for the extension to keep approvals for a final site plan and special permit.

Haslun explained that the reason for not commencing construction "is just the uncertainty of the times and of cost of materials and availability." He noted that Marci Fagan, the principal of Paradigm 44-48 West Putnam Avenue LLC, is "not a big developer" but has an interest in the old building.

"From her perspective, it's very difficult to figure out what it would cost for her to go forward... and again, the availability of those materials," Haslun added. "She's just not feeling that confident to move forward at this point."

The project calls for the creation of 14 loft-style residential apartment units and a third floor within the existing main brick building on a 1.2-acre parcel of land at 44-48 W. Putnam Ave., the site of the former Pickwick Theater and later a bowling alley.

The theater opened in 1929, and it later became a bowling alley in 1959. The building is now known as Pickwick Commons.

The units would be a mix of one and two-bedroom units.

According to the plans, there would be 16 parking spaces on the second floor to be accessed by a dedicated car lift.