Charles Mallory is the founder of Greenwich Hospitality Group.
Their new Delamar Westport is the latest addition to luxury properties like the Delamar Southport and Greenwich Harbor, and others in West Hartford, Mystic and Traverse City, Michigan.
The other day, Charles and I chatted about our town’s newest hotel; the company’s others; hospitality in general, and of course many other Westport topics.
Click below to learn more.
Posted in Local business, Media
If you want to get married at the Inn at Longshore during prime picture-taking-by-the-Sound months — April through October — you normally must book it waaaaaay in advance.
(Pro tip: Some brides roll the dice, and grab a date even before grabbing a mate.)
But these are not normal times. The Inn’s owner — Greenwich Hospitality Group — is about to begin an $8 million renovation.
The original timetable was pushed back, after revisions to plans involving an elevator.
So while the Inn is set to close next month, it will open back up in the first week in April. Events and rooms will be available through October. It will then close again, for more work during the slower late fall and winter months of 2025-26.
Artist’s rendering of the new Longshore ballroom.
Because the operators planned to be closed this spring and summer, they did not accept any bookings. Usually, 90 weddings and 40 events would already be scheduled.
In other words: The Inn will be open, but there is nothing on their calendar.
Grab your wedding date now! (Christine Hussey wants to hear from you: chussey@innatlongshore.com.)
The closure sounds like bad news for Inn employees. Fortuitously, the owners — who also own Delamar Hotels in Greenwich, Southport and West Hartford, and are renovating the former Westport Inn — are also opening a 31-room Delamar and event space in Mystic.
Many staff members will head east, to help open that venue.
Meanwhile, La Plage — the Inn’s restaurant — will close for renovations on January 2, after a New Year’s Eve gala, and New Year’s Day brunch. It too will reopen in the spring.
Maybe you can have your rehearsal dinner there too.
(You don’t have to invite “06880” to your wedding. But you can show your love for Westport’s hyper-local blog, by clicking here to support our work. Thank you!)
Posted in Longshore, Restaurants
Tagged La Plage, the Inn at Longshore, Westport Delamar
Though the Parks & Recreation Department has recommended that current Longshore Sailing School operator Jane Pimentel’s lease with the town be extended another 10 years, the Board of Finance last night asked for more time.
And for questions to be answered.
Heidi McGee and Jeff Manchester — Westporters who are involved in competing bids — challenged the transparency of the process, along with the low $5,000 rent proposed. She also said she would make a Freedom of Information Act request about the bid.
After much discussion, including remarks endorsing the current operators, Parks & Rec director Jen Fava’s request was tabled until the next Board of Finance meeting.
Longshore Sailing School. (Photo/Stefen Turner)
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Lynda Bluestein has begun her final journey.
The longtime Westport resident and active Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport member left her Black Rock home yesterday.
News12 Connecticut reports that her husband Paul drove her to Vermont. Last year, she won a lawsuit to allow her — despite being a non-resident — to use the state’s medical aid in dying statute.
Lynda suffers from ovarian and fallopian tube cancer. Her condition deteriorated rapidly this week, News12 says. She was carried out of her home by her son Jake Shannon, and twin granddaughters.
Bluestein’s legacy will live on in many ways. She has been a longtime voice against gun violence. She has advocated for a Connecticut medical aid in dying law.
And last year, she helped place wind phones — disconnected telephones that allow loved ones and friends to “call” people who have died — throughout the area.
A ceremony at the Westport Library — the first such indoor space for a wind phone in the world — drew dozens of friends and admirers.
Click here for the full, loving report from News12’s Mark Sudol.
Lynda Bluestein, during yesterday’s News12 interview.
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In November, “06880” reported that James Comey’s new book will be published in May.
The murder mystery novel from the former FBI director — and also former Westport resident — is about a “make-believe hedge fund called Saugatuck Associates, billed as the world’s largest.”
Aspiring authors are told to “write about what you know.”
Hmmmm … let’s see ,,, well, Comey was general counsel of Westport-based Bridgewater Associates.
Oh, yeah. The book’s title is “Westport.”
The cover has just been released. Look familiar?
If Comey has a book-signing here, we’ll let you know.
Perhaps at Barnes & Noble.
Or Bridgewater. (Hat tips: Sean McGee, Dick Lowenstein)
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Robin Moyer Chung sends this message to “06880” readers:
“As the editor of Westport Lifestyle magazine for the past 5 years, I’ve been fortunate to pen so many fascinating features of Westport and its residents.
“Every time I left an interview I couldn’t wait to tell the story (well, with one exception). I’d sit down at my laptop and write the first sentence: ‘This will blow your mind.’ ‘What she’s doing is amazing.’ ‘This guy is unbelievable.’
“Then I’d stop and re-examine the superlative. How can I best convey how amazing this person or story is without a ham-handed declaration of adoration?
“For 5 years I’ve loved this challenge. I’ve loved discovering and writing about the outstanding contributions of those who do so quietly and without seeking fanfare. Of those who sculpt our unique landscape of commerce, design, and entertainment. Of those who speak up, dress up, act out, and sing out loud.
“Regretfully, this January 2024 issue is my last one.
“I look forward to the next chapter of Westport Lifestyle, and hope it continues to reflect the dazzling community in which it lives.
“Thank you all! It’s been fabulous!”
Robin Moyer Chung
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The Westport Inn is gone.
A new boutique hotel — owned by the same company that runs the famed Delamar properties in Southport and Greenwich, along with La Plage restaurant and the soon-to-be-renovated Inn at Longshore — is rising in its place.
The target date is this fall.
Construction work on the new Delamar hotel.
Meanwhile, eBay is offering a remnant of the previous incarnation of the Westport Inn: this key from the original “New Englander Motor Hotel.”
Postage may no longer be “guaranteed.”
(Photos/JD Dworkow)
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Westport Police made no custodial arrests between December 27 and January 3.
In the same period, they issued these citations:
It’s no laughing matter: You can’t put an abandoned license plate on your car.
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He’s 2 years away from getting his driver’s license.
But 14-year-old Vivek Kanthan is a world junior kart racing champion.
Currently competing in Europe, he’ll be at the Westport Library this Sunday (January 7, 2 p.m.), for a “Motorsports 101” presentation.
The teenage racer will discuss his journey, and answer questions.
Vivek Kanthan, with his trophies.
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Ken Runkel — whose works are showcased regularly in “06880”‘s Saturday online art gallery — is the Westport Book Shop’s guest exhibitor this month.
He describes himself as “a digital photographer, photoshop artist, and AI explorer with an unusual imagination, and sometimes twisted sense of humor.” His work ranges from nature, landscapes and waterscapes to abstracts and surrealistic images.
Runkel spent 4 decades in advertising, corporate identity development and brand consulting with major international firms serving Fortune 100 clients worldwide.
After retiring in 2017 he focused on digital photography, and digital post-production editing. He now explores the power of artificial intelligence, and how it can expand visual creativity.
A reception is set for January 17 (6 to 7:30 p.m.). RSVP by phone (203-349-5141) or email (bookshop@westportbooksaleventures.org).
All work on display is available for purchase.
Ken Runkel and his art, at the Westport Book Shop.
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Sure, it’s New Year’s.
But flowers are blooming. Susan Leone spotted these, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
(Photo/Susan Leone)
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And finally … today was the birthdate, in 1838, of Tom Thumb. Born with dwarfism, he became a world-famous performer under the direction of P.T. Barnum.
Local connection: Tom Thumb (Charles Sherwood Stratton) was born in Bridgeport. After he died of a stroke at 45, Barnum placed a life-sized statue at his gravesite, Mountain Grove Cemetery in Bridgeport. His wife, Lavinia Warren, died more than 35 years later, and is buried next to him.
(Where else but “06880” can you read about old and new hotels, kart racing and digital art — all in the same place? If you appreciate this hyper-local blog, please click here to support it. Thank you!)
David Pogue’s talk the other day about the potential and perils of artificial intelligence had everyone who saw it, well, talking.
Now the Westport Library — which hosted the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston event — has posted it online.
Whether you’re excited or ambivalent about the future of AI — or don’t know what to think — click below.
It may be one of the most important hours you’ll spend as a human being.
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Yesterday’s announcement of LymanAID — the July 9 event thanking Westporters for their support of our sister city in Ukraine, and kicking off the next phase of help — created plenty of excitement.
And it brought a great offer from Felicia Catale. She’s not even waiting until July.
Felicia — the owner of Salon Nash, on Post Road West — is offering free haircuts on any Monday in June, for anyone who donates at least $60 to Lyman.
Those cuts and blow dries — for men, women and kids — usually go for a lot more than that.
Click here to donate via the Ukraine Aid International website (under “Designation,” choose “Westport-Lyman” from the dropdown menu).
Then call or text Felicia (203-747-9753) to make an appointment. Be sure to bring your donation receipt to enjoy your free, generous hair session!
Felicia Catale
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Speaking of LymanAID: Staples High School sophomore Sam Rossoni is doing his part to help too.
It’s a big one.
He’s joined with Connie Caruso and a few other volunteers to run “Change for Ukraine: Making a Difference, One Cent at a Time.”
They bought boxes of plastic jars, and are distributing them to businesses, organizations and locations throughout Westport and nearby towns.
They in turn will give jars to individuals or families. Staples students can pick up jars at school.
Between now and early July, participants will try to fill each jar with bills, change and checks (payable to “Ukraine Aid International”). Each holds about $65 worth of coins.
Anyone who fills up a jar will have their lid entered into a raffle. One lid will be selected at random, during the July 9 LymanAID event. The winner gets a $1,000 cash prize.
Want a jar? Or want to contribute? Call or text Sam Rossoni: 917-535-0327.
Collection jars for Lyman.
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One of the most dangerous intersections in town just got a bit safer.
Two new stop signs have been added to the north and south sides of West Parish and Hillandale Roads.
Previously, there were — confusingly — only 2 signs. Now drivers coming from all 4 directions must stop.
New north side stop sign on West Parish Road. (Hat tip and photo/Bob Weingarten)
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Speaking of accidents: There was a bad-looking one yesterday at the Long Lots Road/North Avenue intersection.
I’m surprised there aren’t more. Between the volume of traffic, the 3-way stop that includes a dip in the road, 2 options southbound from North Avenue and westbound on Long Lots, plus the tempting roll-through-the-stop-sign-and-take-a-right from Long Lots, it’s (as the saying goes) “an accident waiting to happen.”
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It’s more than a Teardown of the Day. Call this the Teardown of the Season.
Demolition has begun on the old Westport Inn. The 120-room Post Road East property — first built in 1960 as the New Englander Motel — is being developed by Delamar into an 85-unit boutique hotel.
Upgrades include less building and site coverage, and more green areas.
Delamar owns popular hotels in Southport, Greenwich, West Hartford and Traverse City, Michigan. A couple of miles from the old Westport Inn, they’re also redeveloping the Inn at Longshore.
The demolished front section of the Westport Inn. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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As Westport prepares for Memorial Day, our beloved Minute Man is ready.
(Photo/Andrew Colabella)
But those American flags didn’t fall out of the sky.
Kudos to Westport Hardware for their donation.
And to Andrew Colabella, who has placed them at the base every year since 2008.
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Another Memorial Day weekend tradition:
This morning, Scouts from Troops 39 and 139 placed American flags on veterans’ graves, at cemeteries around Westport.
This was the scene at the Green’s Farms Congregational Church Upper Burial Ground:
(Photo/MaryAnn Meyer)
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“Below Surface” — the 19-minute documentary short film highlighting Patty Kondub’s life-changing Westport Weston Family YMCA Aquafit class — has earned raves. And awards.
On June 9 (7 p.m.), the Westport Country Playhouse hosts a special screening.
After the show, Patty joins the movie’s producers for a panel discussion. Tracey Knight Narang — a Tony Award-winning producer, and a playwright — moderates.
Admission is free. Click here to register.
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Just a few days after another “06880” report on another delay in the ongoing saga of the Bayberry Lane bridge …
… it’s open!
Andrew Colabella was there early yesterday morning, to see the finishing touches put on the long-running project — and to (happily and helpfully) move the “Road Closed” sign out of the way.
(Photo/Andrew Colabella)
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Sotheby’s auction of a vast collection of Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward’s personal belongings — from chairs and rugs to a “White Stag Speedo Leisure Tennis Suit Worn by Newman” — has begun.
“A Life & Legacy: The Joanne Woodward & Paul Newman Collection” is live through June 12. Click here to bid.
Or just gawk. (Hat tip: Debbie O’Malley and Bill Kutik)
This photo of Paul Newman and fellow Westporter Michael Brockman at the 1994 24 Hours of Daytona race is valued at $800 to $1,200. Bidding starts at $200.
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Comp Beach lifeguards return on Monday (Memorial Day).
But at least one was in the guard shack yesterday. Among the duties: updating the popular informational/inspirational sign, for the 2023 season.
(Photo/Karen Como)
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The newest member of Westport’s deer community poses for its first “Westport … Naturally” photo:
(Photo/Scott Weiner)
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And finally … Ed Ames, whose long career stretched from lead singer of the Ames Brothers, to Fess Parker’s Native American companion on “Daniel Boone,” died last Sunday in Beverly Hills. He was 95.
Click here for a full obituary. And click not just on 2 of his most memorable songs, but on one of the most famous moments ever in Johnny Carson history. (Watch to the end!)
(Sure, it’s a holiday weekend. But “06880” is still at work, bringing you all the information you need about Westport. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Longtime Westporter and alert “06880” reader Elisabeth Keane keeps a sharp eye on this town. She’s not pleased.
Elisabeth writes:
I couldn’t believe what I was seeing at Bridge Square. The formerly charming historic waterfront has turned into absurd “farm-style” buildings. Yellow and green paint, and tin roofs and windows befit the “style du jour” architecture. (Most builders and architects are on the same design page, in the same design book.*) It is ugly and inappropriate.
(Photo/Dan Woog)
How did this type of renovation (certainly not an improvement) get past avoid the town’s guidelines? Yikes.
Are there any architectural guidelines for Westport? The architectural charm of Westport is being devastated.
They ruined Sconset Square too, which used to be charming and New England-y. Now it resembles just another somewhat upscale strip mall, with tin roofs and black-appearing windows. I know it is still under construction but…
Sconset Square (Photo/Dan Woog)
Not to mention the sketch I saw of the the former Westport Inn (aka Delamar Westport).
At this rate, I don’t have high hopes for rejuvenating Main Street either. I think those uninspired strings of lights along both sides of Main Street more closely resemble the rows of lights strung up for a week above street fairs in the city. There’s nothing wrong with that, but for me those undistinguished strings of lights do not convey any artistic, unusual or thoughtful way to light our Main Street, in this still artistic and talented town. Did anybody consult a resident or local lighting professional (perhaps theatre or movie lighting) for advice?
Then there’s the chain link fence at Veterans Green. Seriously? One might want to have that special place accessible.
Speaking of Myrtle Avenue: Whoever will be doing it better be very careful restoring Town Hall, and not messing up the exterior or interior.
And speaking of interiors: I hope the current interior decorating fad in public buildings will fade soon. Restaurants for some perverse reason seem to follow along lamely, with hard surfaces everywhere. The noise level is through the roof. Sound reverb requires everyone to speak LOUDLY. Seating is hard, not comfortable. The high bar stools are not for everybody — maybe in a corner of a bar, but not in a restaurant.
Restaurant ambiance is more than the food; it involves comfortable seating, and conversing in a normal tone, not yelling as at a sporting event.
*Design book: Look at all the houses built c. 2003-2005-ish, with faux Palladian windows. Is there really only one architectural design book? It’s cheaper that way, and it shows. I can only imagine what our most skilled and creative architects must think as they see these things…
Posted in Downtown, Local business, Real estate
Tagged Bridge Square, Main Street, Sconset Square, Town Hall, Veterans Green, Westport Delamar
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