An over-100-year-old local landmark has reopened and is now home to three small businesses in Mansfield. Located at 534 Storrs Road in Mansfield Center, the Mansfield General Store building was constructed in 1886 and recently completed a major renovation project to preserve the historic location. Storefronts for Lisa’s Chocolates ‘n Gifts and Line Art Studio now occupy the building in addition to the offices of Kiwami Triathalon.
The Mansfield Downtown Partnership celebrated the building’s reopening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 13. Members of the town council were present alongside the new owner, Andre Bennatan, and representatives from KBMS Enterprises; the construction firm that worked to renovate the historic location.
“The reopening of the Mansfield Center General Store is a moment of pride for our town…This beautifully restored building isn’t just a nod to our past; it’s a cornerstone for future growth,” said Mansfield town manager Ryan Aylesworth in a press statement.
Lisa’s Chocolates ‘n Gifts occupies the first floor, featuring a selection of candies and baked goods with antiques and specialty gift products like candles, quilts and toys, according to the shop’s Facebook page.
“There is just so much gratitude from so many people that the General Store building was saved and brought back to life,” reads a post by owner Lisa Schweitzer. “I still get teary-eyed every time I think of how lucky, happy and grateful that I am back in here doing what I love,” she said.
The business operated for a stint in 2018 but had to close due to the sale of the building and the complete interior overhaul, according to the Willimantic Chronicle.
Line Art Studio, a new tenant, is based in the building’s ground floor and plans to offer various art classes to the local adult community. The new business was founded by Jennifer Jeffreys, a local artist who formerly served as the education coordinator for the William Benton Museum of Art, according to the studio’s Instagram profile.
“I’m dedicated to growing as an artist alongside my students, which helps create a dynamic and collaborative learning environment,” explains Jeffreys’ mission statement on Line Art’s webpage.
Kiwami Triathalon, a local business specializing in athleticwear and wetsuits, will also be utilizing office space in the restored building. The company has been based in Mansfield since 2008.
The Mansfield Historical Society details that the Mansfield General Store building was constructed in 1886 by Charles Weeks. The building operated as a storefront under various local operators, notably including Alfred Oden, partners Thomas Arthur Barrows and Gertrude Burnham and mom-and-pop owners Willard and Ann Robb. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th century, the building also acted as the Mansfield Center post office according to the Historical Society’s timeline.
Shafer Properties operated a deli at the building in recent years; the Daily Campus first reported in 2017 on the beginning stages of the reconstruction of the historic storefront’s porches following a Town of Mansfield assessment that repairs to the façade and entrances were necessary.
According to the Connecticut State Historic Preservation Office, the Mansfield General Store building is listed in the State Register of Historic Places as “Week’s Store” and anchors the Mansfield Center Historic District, which is included on the National Register of Historic Places.
For more information on historic properties in Mansfield and the surrounding areas, visit the Mansfield Historical Society webpage at mansfieldct-history.org.
That’s Mansfield, CT not Mansfielf, MA.