The owners of Pickwick Plaza are looking to recreate Parisian café ambiance at the intersection of Greenwich and East Putnam avenues.
“That’s the concept that’s in play,” said Albert Lawrence, property manager for Pickwick Plaza. “The new owners of Pickwick are big fans of the European lifestyle, the Parisian lifestyle.”
The owners, Pickwick Properties, recently submitted an application to the Greenwich Planning and Zoning Commission seeking approval for a 600-square-foot restaurant on an outside courtyard accessible from Greenwich Avenue.
Pickwick Plaza encompasses 3 acres.
The Planning and Zoning Commission is currently in the process of reviewing the project in the preliminary stages.
The café plans to seat 96 with 72 of those seats for outdoor diners in the new outdoor addition.
The owners hope that the addition will increase the use of the courtyard area and give Pickwick Plaza office workers and the public a place to congregate.
“We’re trying to add to the ambiance,” said Lawrence. “We’re trying to add a little more life up there. I think that’s something everybody can appreciate.”
Mary Ann Morrison, head of the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce, said the plans are part of a growing popular trend.
“The owners of Pickwick are looking to get into the consumer trend that has existed of wanting to dine outside when the weather is appropriate,” said Morrison.
Past retailers with shops near the north end of Greenwich Avenue have found that they get less foot traffic than retailers at the south end of the avenue where there are more restaurants and venues.
“We need more vibrancy at the top of the avenue,” said Morrison. “This could certainly add to it.”
