Bishops Corner (West Hartford)

Bishops Corner is a crossroads between Albany Avenue (U.S. Route 44) and North Main Street in West Hartford, Connecticut. It is one of the major shopping venues in West Hartford, along with West Hartford Center, Westfarms Mall, and the new Blue Back Square.

Improvements

* In the summer of 2006, the Plaza that includes McDonalds and Staples in Bishops Corner was remodeled on the outside. The aging red awning was removed and replaced with a more contemporary white siding.
*In the winter of 2007 McDonalds was remodeled on the inside, McDonalds added a second television, security camera, and new tables and chairs. This was part of the McCafe renovation that is still being completed today.
*In Autumn of 2007, Waldbaum's Foodmart renovated part of its supermarket to stay competitive with the other area supermarkets. The Waldbaum's foodmart sign was replaced during this process, with a sign that now states "Waldbaum's Fresh."
*In the winter of 2006 Walgreens began a huge renovation. Walgreens acquired their next door neighbors lease, and knocked down the wall that separated the two units, The store was made much larger, and a new drive thru prescription pick up window was added.
*In early 2008, Whole Foods Bishops Corner changed it's sign to reflect the acquisition of Wild Oats by Whole Foods Market.
*On May 7 2008 Bertucci's replaced their out of date red awning; the new front of the restaurant is intended to be more inviting.
* In July Marshall's updated its exterior light up sign, replacing its washed out colors with much darker blues and reds.

Businesses Located in Bishop's Corner

Bishops Corner hosts a variety of stores, including but not limited to:
* Bertucci's Restaurant
* Bank Of America
* Blockbuster Video
* Crown Supermarket
* Romano's Macaroni Grill(closed)
* Waldbaums Superfood Mart
* McDonald's
* Harvey's Wines and Spirits
* Staples
* iParty
* Whole Foods (Former Wild Oats)
* Anna's Nail's
* Harry's Pizza
* Petco (closed)
* Panera Bread
* The Grounds
* Harvey Wines and Liquors
* Subway
* Dunkin' Donuts
* T-Mobile
* Quiznos Subs(Closed Sept 2008)
* Marshalls
* Pet Supplies Plus
* Supercuts
* Sleepy's

Rumors

It is rumored that Eden's and Avant, the leasing agent for "Bishops Corner West" which includes the office building and retail space of Subway, iParty and Bank of America, and the attached property of "Bishops Corner" where Blockbuster and Marshalls are located, is planning a mini-town center. The re-development may include a mix of retail and entertainment. Rumors have ranged from a Target store for Bishops Corner, to a plan to redevelop the land and have two anchor stores and a couple mini-stores. Eden's and Avant intends this to help Bishops Corner keep up with West Hartford Center's recent Blue Back Square development. [ [http://www.courant.com/news/opinion/editorials/hc-plccondon05118.artmay18,0,6541255.column New Directions For Bishops Corner - Courant.com ] ]

Plans for the redevelopment of all of Bishops Corner by Eden's and Avant, have been put on hold due to the condition of the market. At this time it is rumored that Eden's and Avant does not have plans to fill any of the vacant storefronts. The majority of the leases in Bishops Corner expire in 2012.

Bishop's Corner Library

Bishop's Corner is home to one of West Hartford's three main libraries, the others being the Noah Webster Library and Faxon. The establishment, which is over forty years old, has recently completed a "Senior Center," where elderly citizens are able to take part in educational and leisure activities such as computer training.

Location

Bishop's Corner is located in the northern part of West Hartford; West Hartford Center is southern. The crossroads is approximately .6 miles from Hall High School.

References