Old Navy's new store taking shape at Evergreen Walk

Joseph Villanova, Journal Inquirer, Manchester, Conn.
·2 min read

Jan. 24—SOUTH WINDSOR — Developers have begun work on the new Old Navy location in Evergreen Walk, expanding the building directly across from Burton's Grill.

Leasing plans by Charter Realty, the company that manages Evergreen Walk, indicate that Old Navy will be moving into the building that housed Johnny Rocket's, a diner-style restaurant. That new location will be expanded to 21,000 square feet. Work has begun on the site, with mobile fencing placed around the building.

Town Manager Michael Maniscalco confirmed that Old Navy would be moving into the reconfigured building, as discussed in previous plans for Evergreen Walk, but he could not provide a completion date for the work.

"The current work going on in that location is the beginning of the move of Old Navy, which is part of a bigger plan for the new Whole Foods," Maniscalco said today.

On Aug. 17, members of the town's Planning and Zoning Commission approved a site plan for a 50,000-square-foot Whole Foods store, to be constructed in place of two buildings totaling 53,000 square feet where Sakura Garden and Old Navy reside.

Plans indicate that Sakura Garden will be moving from the partly vacant building at the site of the new Whole Foods to a 6,750-square-foot storefront near Connecticut Mattress and Emerald City Smoothie, at the opposite end of the plaza from its current location.

Alongside Whole Foods, Evergreen Walk has seen a significant amount of recent development, including the opening of Costco in November and approvals in December for an early childhood learning center to open in an existing vacant building and Shake Shack to be constructed in a standalone building.

Maniscalco said with all the development, the "renaissance" of Evergreen Walk will allow it to hold its place as a regional attraction and a benefit to the town.

"We are very excited to have the commitment of Charter Realty and to be partners with them as we reimagine Evergreen Walk," Maniscalco said.

At time of publication, representatives from Charter Realty could not be reached for comment.

Joseph covers East Hartford and South Windsor. He joined the JI in July 2021. Joseph graduated from the University of Connecticut and he is an avid guitarist and coffee enthusiast.