Save-A-Lot opens its doors with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Mayor Eddie Perez and Lucinda Thomas are welcomed by employees as the store's first customers.

Save-A-Lot, a full-service grocery store and anchor tenant of the Metro Center, has opened its doors. Part of the revitalization for the Clay-Arsenal neighborhood, one of the most distressed and impoverished areas in the City of Hartford, the store occupies a lot that sat vacant for over 30 years. Located on the corner of Main and Pavilion Streets, it expects to serve over 4500 customers a week. Shoppers can save up to 40 percent on groceries and find incredible $1 general merchandise buys on everyday items in their new Save-A-lot store.

A catalyst for the Metro Center was Lucinda Thomas, Executive Director for Public Housing Residents Going Places (PHRGP) and owner of the shopping center. Over 11 years in the making, the project is a product of a partnership between PHRGP, the City of Hartford and the Hartford Housing Authority. It brings necessary goods, services and employment opportunities to the neighborhood. The store has a staff of about 30 employees, all residents of nearby Hartford neighborhoods.

The Metro Center was made possible with HUD, CT Department of Community and Economic Development grant funds, a $1.5 loan guarantee obtained by the City of Hartford and a $2.2 million construction loan financed by Peoples Bank. The land was donated by the City of Hartford. Visit HUD's website to learn more about programs and funding opportunities.

Content Archived: March 21, 2011