Farmington-based Dunning Industries Inc. has received site plan approval to open a nursery and garden center in town.
The operation will be located on three parcels: 1079 Farmington Ave., the former Walpole Fence; 1085 Farmington Ave., the former Green Tails retail shop; and 1091 Farmington Ave., currently occupied by a residence and detached garage/barn.Â
Dunning Industries, which operates a quarry and sells sand and gravel, plans to use the Farmington Avenue properties for a retail garden center, storage and office space, and a contractor sales/loading area.
The nursery will operate seasonally from March through December, according to the zoning application. Existing buildings on the properties will remain and be repurposed for the nursery and garden center.
Dunning Industries owns the three parcels. In addition to a small office building, the 107-acre property at 1085 Farmington Ave., contains Dunning’s earth-excavation operation.
Dunning Industries said it plans to, in the future, seek permitting to open a coffee shop and cafe at 1079 Farmington Ave.
During a public hearing this week, Neil Lajeunesse, vice president of Dunning Industries, said the company will install signs to clarify the traffic pattern throughout the properties.
Dunning Industries is headquartered at 105 Brickyard Road in Farmington. The president and CEO, Benjamin Dunning, purchased the business from his father, R. Mort Dunning, in 2002. The fourth-generation company began in 1917 as Atlas Sand, Gravel and Stone Co.
