ANSONIA – The new owner of the Ansonia Shopping Center on Main Street across from Target announced four tenants Friday (Nov. 13).
They are Burlington (formerly known as Burlington Coat Factory), O’Reilly Auto Parts, Dollar Tree and M&T Bank.
Zelco Properties & Development and The Grossman Companies purchased the shopping center, which used to be anchored by Big Y, in May for $8.4 million. Click here for a previous story.
“Combined with the previously announced commitments from Key Food, Marshalls, and HomeGoods, Ansonia Shopping Center now has over 145,680 square feet of new leases,” according to a press release.
According to the statement:
- Burlington will occupy 20,000 square feet
- Dollar Tree will occupy 15,000 square feet
- Burlington and Dollar Tree will take up the former Bob’s space
- O’Reilly Auto Parts will occupy 11,180 square feet in the former Rite Aid building
- M&T Bank will occupy a new, 2,500 square-foot building fronting Main Street
The stores are scheduled to open in mid-2027.
The new owners said the shopping center was about 29 percent full when they purchased it. It’s now at 90 percent capacity.
“We went from a largely vacant center to a roster of national users in a very short period, which speaks to both the underlying demand in the market and the work done prior to closing”, said Dan Zelson, principal of Zelco Properties and Charter Realty, in a written statement sent to the media.
A 37,000 square-foot Key Food will occupy some of the space previously taken up by the Big Y, which closed in 2019.
Mayor Frank Tyszka said the announcement means grand list growth from new construction, and new jobs. He said Ansonia — with many apartments and houses within walking distance of the property — has been clamoring for another grocery store.
“I’m absolutely thrilled. You couldn’t get a tomato without driving a mile,” the mayor said.
Tyszka said interior work in the former Big Y is already underway. The roof has been replaced as well.
After losing Big Y (which moved to Route 34 in Derby near the Orange line), Ansonia also watched the Division Street Stop & Shop close in October 2024.
That property was recently purchased as well. Click here for a Valley Indy story.
“It’s a nice start to the rebuilding of Ansonia,” Tyszka said.
State Rep. Kara Rochelle represents Ansonia and Derby in the General Assembly. She said the announcement is good news for Ansonia.
“The renovation of this plaza, new building for the bank, and new tenants means more jobs in the community, tax base growth, and, of course, the convenience of having these businesses right in the heart of our downtown,” she said. “I’m especially excited for the grocery store, which I know many were hopeful to see. With this line-up of businesses, people will have a real hub to pick up what they need locally.”