Usually, Friday the 13^th is associated with something bad. And in some small way, what was wrapping up that day in Bridgeport could have been viewed as just that.

 

It was on that day that most of the work being done on the demolition of the Shoppes of Averill Place in Bridgeport was being completed. It was part of a $12,000 demolition effort done by Huffman Corporation after a permit for the work was acquired on March 4.

 

The reason it may seem to be bad news is that it officially leveled the building that housed the Shoppes of Averill Place. The highly popular little plaza was home to Artworks custom framing and gift shop, HempWorks CBD products and Provence Market restaurant. 

 

As it turns out, what took place a little more than a week ago is the start of what could be good news. According to property owner Lotus MacDowell, the demolition may be signaling a new beginning.

 

“We’d like to redevelop the site,” said MacDowell, who said the property is not for sale. “In fact, I’ve already got people interested.”

 

MacDowell would like to be moving even quicker on the process. However, as is often the case involving a fire of a structure, things are being held up as the insurance process works itself out, she said.

 

Even with that, MacDowell had good news. And if all comes to fruition, then it could be good news for her, the city and the region.

 

“I’ve got a lot of people already interested in the property and I’d like to expand the structure from its original size to an area across the back,” said MacDowell. “… The way I’m looking at it I won’t lose any parking if I expand there, and there are other things I’m looking into.”

 

The city also is hopeful for an expansion. Bridgeport Community Development Director Andrea Kerr is among those hopeful to see MacDowell’s thought process evolve into reality.

 

“We hope something big is on the horizon for that property. We think it’s a perfect location, on a nice flat piece of land that everyone is familiar with,” said Kerr. “We hope someone takes advantage to build it back up to its potential. Lotus can certainly be the one to do that. I’ve seen what she can do.”

 

Prior to MacDowell taking ownership, the 40-year-old building was home to Four Seasons. MacDowell said she’ll remember that building, and the one she did business in for decades filled with vibrant colors, commerce, good times, good people and plenty of good memories.

 

“I want to remember the building as the way it was. We’ve never dealt with a situation like this, but we have moved locations and started over in a sense,” said MacDowell. “We’ll re-invent ourselves again.”

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows demolition on the Shoppes of Averill Place building wrapping up, while Lotus MacDowell shows one of her pieces of work in the second photo. Bottom photo shows the fire from October of 2019.