Plans for Historic Keeler Family Home and Property

Development plans for the historic George Keeler homestead and the empty lot where the Keeler Stove Shop stood will be reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission on Monday.

Called "Old Town Commons," the proposed development by Paul Bowman, would include six townhouses, an office and retail building plus a multi-use building that could include a restaurant, offices or retail.

The application shows the existing 3,600 square-foot Keeler home would be renovated to include a coffee shop, offices and two apartments. Built around 1860, the home is architecturally significant for its Italianate style, according to records of the Cheshire Historical Society. 

The 2.4 acre lot, which is narrow and deep, would see new construction of townhouses containing  a total of about 5,800-square-feet. Two new office or retail buildings are also proposed which would cover 2,750 square-feet and 3,000-square-feet respectively. 

Bowman has a contract with property owner, Earl Conti of Woodbridge, to develop the parcel. In a recent interview, Bowman said he would follow "as built" plans prepared by a historical architect to renovate the Keeler home at 166 So. Main St.

Bowman also told the Cheshire Historic Commission, which regulates buildings in the Town Center Historic District, that he plans to build a replica of the stove shop on the original site. The shop building was demolished in April after decades of neglect.

The historic commission, Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission  and the Planning and Zoning Commission must review the plans for the development.

The planning commission meeting is at 7:30 p.m. on Monday at Town Hall.

The site plan for the development is included in the attached photos.