Retail space below police dept. to be filled âat a rapid paceâ

Friday, December 27, 2013 11:38 PM EST

By SCOTT WHIPPLE STAFF WRITER

NEW BRITAIN Avner Krohn, commercial developer/retailer, said installation of the two retail shops in the citys police station has been a long and arduous journey, almost two years, but most issues were resolved recently when he met with Mayor Erin Stewart and her chief of staff, John Healey.

All three said any loose ends should be tied up before the end of the year.

Dunkin Donuts franchise owner Cary Gagnon has also met with city officials. Dunkin Donuts will share space in the police station building with Krohns ice cream parlor, Caf Chocolat.

Krohns goal is to start construction in January and open in the spring. Dunkin Donuts hopes to open in mid-February.

By springtime next year well have four downtown restaurants with outside dining. (Main Pub, Caf Beauregard, Dunkin Donuts and Caf Chocolat), Krohn said. Cary and I believe our stores will serve hundreds of people daily.

Krohn said his company, Jasko Development, is doing the internal construction for Caf Chocolat. Gagnon is using Kaestle Boos, the local architectural firm.

Healey said the Dunkin Donuts project is moving forward at a rapid pace.

Healey says he doesnt know whose idea it was to build retail space in the police station. I can tell you that regardless of whose idea it was, retail space is coming in the police station, and the mayor has a desire to see other retailers downtown.

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Retail space below police dept. to be filled âat a rapid paceâ