Since Windsor veterinarian Mohan Sachdev's purchase of the Plaza plaza one year ago, the town has been abuzz with anticipation of the historic landmark's return and contribution to the revitalization of Windsor Center.
The day when the building's marquee lights up Broad Street is nearer than ever, according to Neill Sachdev, Mohan Sachdev's son, who's at the helm of the effort breathe life back into the sleeping giant in the heart of town.
If all goes according to plan, the theater will open before the end of the year, Neill Sachdev said Monday by phone. And many Windsor residents will be pleased to hear all that's in store for the building and its store fronts and apartments, which wrap around the corner of Broad and Elm Streets.
All shops on the ground level are either gone or on their way out, Sachdev said. In place of the four store fronts on Broad Street — those shops closest to PC Development Group — will be a brand new restaurant.
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Sachdev said he was unable to reveal further details about the restaurant Monday, but the eatery won't be the only big change to the building.
The Windsor Donut Shop and store fronts facing Elm Street will be absorbed by interior renovations to the theater, said Sachdev — details that are part of a planned expansion of the theater's concessions area into an area that resembles something like a coffee house.
Windsor residents may be most glad to hear that Sachdev plans to re-open the theater, but as an entertainment facility that performs better than ever.
The entire building has been fitted with a new roof, seats are being replaced, a new heating, ventilating and air-conditioning system look to ensure patron comfort and a new electricity system will aid patrons in their enjoyment of what Sachdev describes as one of the more exciting elements of the Plaza's renovation: the sound.
According to Sachdev, "sound-bending material" on the walls of the theater have been stripped, leaving exposed brick along the walls. The brick is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it creates an ideal acoustic environment — one in which a whisper in the front of the theater can be heard in the last row, Sachdev said.
"We want to preserve the integrity of the sound," said Sachdev, who added that plans for the theater are multi-dimensional.
Sachdev said the theater will show films, including foreign films, but it could also host community events or even host musical acts. The latter will depend on "suitability the regards to the restaurant next door, tenants upstairs and noise in town," said Sachdev.
Sachdev said he expects a vote on plans for the builidng to be taken by the planning and zoning commission within the next month.
