Newington warehouse seeks 9 new loading docks; local gym plans Berlin Turnpike move

An Idaho-based millwork manufacturer that paid $32.7 million for a large Newington industrial complex in late August wants to add nine loading docks to the building. Woodgrain's plans will go before the Newington Town Plan and Zoning Commission on Oct. 14. That night the commission will also hold a public hearing on a local gym's proposed move from Alumni Road to the Berlin Turnpike. WG Newington LLC, a Woodgrain affiliate based in Fruitland, Idaho, filed the application for the company's building at 407 Alumni Road. Plans drawn by Meriden-based BL Companies show six new dock doors on the building's west side and three on the east side. The plans also include regrading around the docks, new drainage structures and an internal reconfiguration of the building. The building's footprint would not change. Woodgrain on Aug. 31 bought the 1956-built manufacturing building on nearly 48 acres at 353-407 Alumni Road. The purchase also included 30 acres of undeveloped land at 301 and 311 Alumni Road, the Hartford Business Journal reported. The deal grew out of Woodgrain's talks to expand the roughly 255,000 square feet it had been leasing in the multi-tenant building. Founded in 1954, Woodgrain makes and distributes wood and specialty building products, including mouldings, millwork, doors, lumber and windows. Its Newington site is a distribution facility. The commission's other Oct. 14 agenda item involves a business leaving Alumni Road. Valhalla Fitness, a boutique gym that has operated at 33 Alumni Road for about five years, is seeking a special permit to relocate to 2278 Berlin Turnpike, also known as 2272-2286 Berlin Turnpike. The gym offers group strength and fitness training to members. Its new space would include strength and cardio equipment, a turf area for functional training, a sauna and recovery area, restrooms and a reception desk, according to a narrative filed with the town. The property, owned by Seva Sadan LLC, contains a two-level office building of about 18,900 square feet on roughly 2.25 acres. According to a 2014 site plan included with the application, the building was designed for a mix of medical and general office space, with 123 parking spaces. The public hearing begins at 7 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers at Town Hall, 200 Garfield St. People can also attend online through Zoom.