🔒Mixed-use multifamily/retail building in Newington Center sells for $1.4M

A mixed-use retail and multifamily building in the heart of Newington Center has sold for nearly $1.4 million, property records show. The 9,768-square-foot property at 2-12 East Cedar St., anchored by TJ's on Cedar bar and grill, sold on Sept. 29 to two different limited liability companies — E Cedar St LLC 80% & E Cedar St 2 LLC 20%. E Cedar St LLC is controlled by Alex Opuszynski, a developer and CEO of New Haven-based real estate services firm Vanguard Private Client Group. The two-story building was built in 1950 and sits on 0.93 acres. It includes seven apartments and five retail spaces with other tenants that include The Kakery, White Orchid Spa and Eye Opener. In an interview, Opuszynski said he plans to modernize the building through improvements to the facade and other areas of the property. The purchase is part of his firm’s plan to expand more deeply in Greater Hartford, he said. The property could also lend itself to a longer-term redevelopment opportunity, but that’s not his focus right now, Opuszynski said.

The sale comes as the town of Newington has been working on a master plan to reimagine its downtown to make it a more vibrant place for residents and businesses. The seller was Newington Development Associates LLC, which bought the property in 2004 for $1.3 million, property records show. Newington Development Associates is controlled by Jeffrey Hedberg, who lists a Newington business address and Florida residence address, state records show.