Coffee Shop, Craft Brewery Planned In Windsor Locks Train Station

WINDSOR LOCKS, CT — A Maryland-based developer is planning to lease the historic Windsor Locks train station from the town, which would first involve completing the ongoing restoration using federal and state historic preservation tax credits in addition to its own funds. His second phase would be creation of a coffee shop, craft brewery, co-work space and welcome center.

Ernst Valery of Baltimore, co-managing member of the award-winning firm SAA|EVI and founder and president of Ernst Valery Investment Corporation, has completed successful projects in New York, Massachusetts, California, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Washington, D.C., according to First Selectman Chris Kervick.

The circa 1875 station is adjacent to the site of the new Hartford Line commuter rail station, construction of which is fully funded and scheduled to begin later this year, Kervick said.

"We are committed to building healthy, stable communities and to replacing vacant properties with market rate and work-force housing, vibrant local businesses and a new sense of place and we believe downtown Windsor Locks represents an excellent investment opportunity and is in the midst of an exciting rebound," Valery said.

He graduated from Columbia University’s Master of Science program in real estate development. He also obtained a Master’s degree in policy analysis and public administration and a Bachelor of Science degree in urban and regional planning with a concentration in international relations, both from Cornell University.

Last November, Gov. Ned Lamont announced Windsor Locks would receive a $128,205 grant through the Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) to further the exterior restoration of the station. Work to be completed includes restoration or replacement of the building’s doors, windows and exterior facades. This work follows previous restoration of the roof, dormers, gutters, chimneys, downspouts and all exterior masonry, Kervick said.

The estimated cost for the interior restoration is about a half-million dollars. Much of the funding for the restoration work completed to date came from private donations, including funds raised by the Windsor Locks Middle School History Club through its annual Heritage Day celebration.

As a municipal owner, the town is not eligible for state and federal historic preservation tax credits, as such credits have no value to a tax-exempt entity. The credits have a great deal of value to a private developer; however, the town does not plan to sell the station, Kervick said.

A long-term lease agreement would enable the developer to qualify for the credits without the need to acquire outright title to the property. Since historic preservation tax credits are involved, the restoration must comply with standards that assure accurate historic treatment, Kervick said.

"This is an excellent example of how a public-private partnership can be used as a downtown revitalization tool," Director of Planning & Development Jennifer Valentino-Rodriguez said.

The written lease is now being negotiated with the assistance of counsel and will require Board of Selectmen and town meeting approval. Kervick said basic terms will require the developer to maintain certain municipal facilities such as a welcome center; co-work space; historic exhibits about Windsor Locks, the canal and the industries along the canal; free wi-fi; and public restrooms. The lease will contain performance expectations and milestones and would be terminable if they are not met, according to the first selectman.

The for-profit aspects of the project would include a coffee shop/bistro and small batch craft brewery. Outdoor tables on both street and rail sides are expected. The developer also hopes to offer bicycle rentals for the Windsor Locks Canal Trail State Park. The restored station will have a direct connection to the canal trail, and the station will become a natural point of entry for walks and rides along the trail, Kervick said.

Shortly after acquiring title to the station for one dollar from Amtrak in 2015, the town commissioned a station reuse feasibility study.

"These proposed uses are exactly the type of uses that were identified in the study, so it is pretty exciting when our dreams come this close to becoming our reality," Kervick said.

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