Allan Appel Photo
The lights are out, but the pipes are moving in.
That’s because the former abode of Grand Light at the spacious corner of Grand Avenue and East Street is slated to become inhabited by Bender Showrooms, the kitchen, bath, and plumbing supply family business.
The move-in will take place within six months, said Nina Bender of the company’s marketing department.
The longtime family business has seven showrooms and six warehouses statewide. Although New Haven’s location was the first, the flagship store is now in Waterbury.
Bender in New Haven currently operates out of two buildings, 335 East St., which is the showroom; and 550 Grand Ave., which houses the warehouse, offices, and parts counter.
They are separated by a parking lot, whose small size is one reason for the acquisition.
The showroom will remain at 335 East. The warehouse, office, and busy parts counter will move across the street into the more expansive space of the former Grand Light.
A year ago Grand Light left the rambling space it had occupied since 1929 for a move to Seymour.
Not only will the warehouse space available for Bender’s now be larger. The Grand Light site also is perfect from the parking point of view, Bender added.
Bender will alter the look of Grand Light’s brooding grey exterior, a low-slung building with nary a window in sight.
Windows are now being installed. “It will look less like a bunker,” Bender said.
“Business is good and we’re consistently growing,” Bender added.