Demolition clears way for The Hamlet in Sparta

Sparta - As debris fell to the ground, a small crowd of onlookers stood nearby on the night of Jan. 30 to witness the turn-of-the-century building at 14 Main St. in Sparta being demolished. In what was to be the first of two demolitions, they were also witnessing the groundbreaking of The Hamlet at Town Centre, an age-restricted premier residence and commercial property to be developed by Nouvelle Associates. Developer Luchiano Bruni was among the onlookers. He and partner Peter D’Antonio, were pleased with what they saw. “Despite its proximity to Main Street, the dust and debris were kept to a minimum, and demolition was done at night to minimize traffic in the area,” said Bruni. The second demolition took place the following evening, when the building that housed the Central Restaurant came down. That building, built in the early 1800s, had once been a hotel. Later, in 1920, it was sold to the Nazzaro family. During the 1940s and 1950s, the building went through several structural and cosmetic transformations as the family’s catering and restaurant business grew. Nouvelle Associates had hoped to restore the original structure but utimately gave up on that plan due to significant structural damage. Nevertheless, the developer says the new commercial building will fit architecturally into the surrounding community. It will include 8,000 square feet of office and retail space, featuring balconies overlooking Main Street. The Hamlet, an age-restricted community with 55 residences including 11 affordable housing units, will be built upon the rear of the site currently being demolished. Off-street sheltered and open parking will be available for both buildings behind Main Street. Age-restricted to 55 and over, The Hamlet will offer luxury residences between 1,000 and 3,300 square feet. A garden courtyard with a fountain and gazebo will be overlooked by interior balconies and patios. The residences will feature nine-foot ceilings, loft areas, and a community center with a kitchen and fitness center. The 11 one-bedroom affordable housing units will be age and income restricted. For information on The Hamlet, call the Weichert Sparta office at 973 729-2700.