The winning bid of $1,675,000 for the Grand Union Plaza located at 54 East Main Street was placed by Realtors and Trustees George J Stamatos and Joshua Cohen, of Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts.(Photo by Kelli Miller)

NORWICH — In February of this year, the Norwich Grand Union store, located at 54 E. Main St. in Norwich, closed its doors, leaving the community concerned for the plaza and its livelihood.

While officials scrambled to find a solution to keep a grocery store in the city, the owners of the plaza, Norwich MVP Plaza LLC, put the property up for auction.

The bid of $1,675,000 was won by Realtors George J. Stamatos and Joshua Cohen, both of Pondside Realty in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts.

Trustees of the property, Stamatos and Cohen, listed the property for lease July 13 on the PCS Dixwell Realty Trust website, operating under Pondside Realty.

City of Norwich Mayor Robert Jeffrey was made aware of the new owners and was informed of their visit to Norwich.

“I know they came to visit the police department to find out about the safety in the community,” said Jeffrey.

The Evening Sun reached out to the owners but has received no reply at this time.

Jeffrey said he will be reaching out to them soon to talk with them and learn more of their plans and is interested if a grocery store or something else will be going in soon.

“We certainly want that space to be productive with quality services provided to our city,” he added.

With nearly 60,000 square feet and 85% leased, the new owners may have about 9,000 square feet to offer new tenants and could take their time leasing out the property as Grand Union continues to pay its lease through 2030.

The sale contract date was April 22, 2026, and the full transfer date was May 22, 2026. The deed was recorded on July 29, 2026.

According to the 2025 assessment roll, the assessed value is $1,156,725.