A developer who plans to convert Newtown’s former Taunton Press property into an 83-unit apartment complex has purchased the site for $2.55 million, according to property records.
Taunton Woods LLC, which is controlled by Philip Clark, of Newtown, purchased the 13.3-acre acre parcel, at 63 S. Main St. The property contains two, two-story office buildings that house a total of 72,833 square feet. Clark is the founder and president of Newtown-based developer Claris Design Build.
The seller was Taunton Press Inc., controlled by Suzanne Roman, of Newtown. Roman, the company’s former president, is the daughter of Taunton Press founders Paul and Jan Roman. The publisher, known for its craft and home-focused titles, was acquired by Active Interest Media in 2023.
The buildings, constructed in the 1980s, and the land were appraised at $6.6 million and assessed at $4.62 million in 2024.
According to Claris Design Build’s website, the company plans to convert 42,000 square feet of existing space into 41 apartments and 14,000 square feet into offices and amenities. It also plans to construct a new three-story, 42-unit apartment building on the property. The project has reportedly received town approval and is in the pre-construction phase, the website states.
Calls to Clark were not immediately returned.
