One of City of Bridgeport’s Major Downtown Business Destinations has Announced it has Closed Operations
A Bridgeport downtown destination for years has announced that it has closed its doors permanently.
According to Dick Duez, the building was the home for many years to the old Bridgeport Baptist Church in Bridgeport. Duez, the city’s unofficial historian, said it was built in 1912 and began its service as a church in 1913.
“Prior to that, it was the site of the old Sandusky Mill that was demolished after J.B. Sandusky died,” said Duez. “The mill and the church occupied the same footprint, the same foundation.”
The building has been home to dozens of businesses over the years. It has also been operated by more than one business owner. The unique array of businesses, the majority touting local and often handmade goods, was a regular stop for many doing business along the city’s Main Street corridor.
Items such as fresh ice cream, record albums, fresh eggs, books, plants, maternity clothing, and even musical lessons have been offered in the past or up until its closing.
Although still relatively fresh, Bridgeport City Manager Patrick Ford said if the building ends up vacant, he believes it can be utilized for a business or another purpose.
“There are a handful of incentives in the city to entice people to refurbish buildings such as that. When you couple that with the vibrancy of the downtown and the extra muscle the (Associated Businesses of Bridgeport) brings to the downtown with their programs, we’re confident that the building and space will find the right user to replenish the vibrant mix of our downtown.”
No further information regarding the building’s future, or other businesses located inside, was immediately available.