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Date: 11/16/2022
CHICOPEE – The local jewelry staple Hannoush Jewelers will be opening a new retail location on 704 Memorial Dr. The retail chain will be repurposing a once-vacant space that was formerly utilized by the automotive repair shop Midas Auto Service Experts.
The first Hannoush Jewelers store opened its doors in Massachusetts in 1980. Today, the Hannoush Jewelers network includes more than 50 company-owned and franchised stores located throughout the United States. Hannoush employs over 400 employees across the 11 states the business operates in.
The development of a new Hannoush location recently appeared before the City Council’s Zoning Committee on Oct. 25 for a special permit request. Michael Nadeau of Nadeau Commercial Construction explained the redevelopment request, sharing that the project requires a waiver to reduce the area’s parking spaces from 15 to nine.
“We’re redeveloping the old Midas shop into a retail store,” said Nadeau.
Ward 4 City Councilor and Zoning Committee Chair George Balakier said that the property’s change in occupancy will likely acquire a building code review at the request of the Fire Department.
In the Planning Department’s report, the department found that the applicant’s parking request was suitable and not meeting it would prevent redevelopment. The 704 Memorial Dr. location is approximately 403,032 square feet.
Planning Director Lee Pouliot spoke in favor of the project, noting the Hannoush Jewelers redevelopment as an exciting development for an underutilized property.
“This building has been empty for a very long time and underutilized. From planning’s perspective, we’re thrilled to see someone investing in this property to bring it back to productive use … it’s along a busy commercial corridor,” said Pouliot.
Ward 9 City Councilor Mary-Elizabeth Pniak-Costello also spoke in favor of the redevelopment project.
“We’re thrilled you’re coming,” said Pniak-Costello.
The Zoning Committee unanimously approved the special permit application and parking waiver request. After brief discussion, the City Council finalized the special permit and parking waiver request with unanimous votes during their Nov. 1 meeting.
Reminder Publishing reached out to Hannoush Jewelers representatives but did not receive comment by press time.
Readers can learn more about Hannoush Jewelers at https://hannoush.com/.