Visions For Vacancies: Former Formal Wear Shops In Vernon, Manchester

VERNON, CT — After a period of dormancy, today Vernon Patch is reviving the popular Visions For Vacancies column, in which we highlight a vacant commercial property and ask readers to tell us what they think would be the best use for it.

Forget what zone it's in, ignore setback regulations, dump lot coverage rules and all the other zoning jargon that puts most people to sleep. If you had your way, what would you like to see there? What would be the best use for the community?

Today we are featuring two properties that once housed independent formalwear establishments on two main roads in two north central Connecticut commercial districts. One looks like it's in in a scene from the movie "Jumanji" and another sits by its lonesome on a wide-open tract.

Let's start with the former Samuel Limited Tux King shop at 295 Talcottville Road. That's state Route 83 for those keeping score at home. It's been vacant for some time and currently for sale. It sits near restaurants, oil change places, specialty stores and discount stores, along with daycare facilities and a very large apartment complex.

What would be a great fit for the building?

Up next is a former tuxedo place on Buckland Street in the heart of Manchester's Buckland Hills commercial district. It's located near eateries and some pretty hefts strip plazas and a shopping mall.

It was once a go-to place for formalwear in Manchester, despite a tricky steep driveway emptying into multiple lanes of vehicles whizzing by or trying to get onto Interstate 84.

The building, does, however, sit on what is essentially a cliff and the property has become overgrown over the years.

What could go there? Tell us please.

Don't just guess where the buildings are based on the images. Click on the story, participate and have some fun. Ideas can be shared via chris.dehnel@patch.com or on social media comments.

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About this column: In featuring available commercial spaces, we aim to help residents take a proactive role in planning and building their community. Know of an available building we should highlight? Tell us in the comments on social media, or e-mail chris.dehnel@patch.com.