Yankee Pedlar
In 2021, the City of Torrington used a recently enacted statute (PA 19-92: An Act Concerning Abandoned and Blighted Property Receivership) to file suit against the owner of the former Yankee Pedlar Inn. After purchasing the property in 2014, Jayson Hospitalities never delivered on its promises to renovate the building and reopen it as a branded hotel.
Local permits were secured to renovate the building but instead the building interior was completely gutted. Most of the building’s historical elements were removed. The building has not been heated and deteriorating conditions such as substantial roof leaks have been ignored.
It took 3 years of legal wrangling, but in July 2024 the Superior Court (Litchfield District) awarded receivership to the TDC. Under the act, a “receiver” is a person or entity that is given specific authority by to correct conditions contributing to blight and deterioration. Receivership does not transfer ownership nor does it erase the owner’s debts or environmental obligations related to the property.
Funds being used by the TDC to stabilize and improve the building can be recovered through liens attached to the deed. The city had allocated $60,000 of its blight funds to provide initial funding for carrying out repairs deemed critical to the stabilization or mitigation of conditions contributing to further deterioration of the building and/or threats to public health, safety or welfare.
Receivership
Project Updates
Yankee Pedlar RFP
RFP for Phase II Investigation, Remedial Action Plan & Additional Sampling
Yankee Pedlar Documents
Within 24 hours of becoming receiver, the TDC with assistance from City staff began implementing stabilization measures.
- Emergency roof repairs
- Temporary gated security fence installed
- No Trespassing signs installed
- Extension and re-hanging of construction lighting throughout all floors of the building
- Roof latch secured
- Entrance Door a (Maiden Lane/Main Street corner) secured
- Lock Box replaced
- Fire alarm monitoring system confirmed to be operational
- Gas service confirmed to be active
- Fire escape secured to prevent illegal access from ground level
- Doors fronting Main Street secured with chains/padlocks
- Overgrowth of vegetation removed
The city had the foresight to secure a $20,000 grant from the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) to carry out a preliminary building conditions and structural assessment. This work was critical in confirming the extent of deterioration and identifying needed repairs to initially stabilize the building. Preliminary cost estimates were also provided that were used to prioritize repairs.
Recent News
Torrington Development Corporation Granted Authority to Sell Former Yankee Pedlar Inn
After a protracted legal battle, the Torrington Development Corporation (TDC) has been granted approval to proceed with the sale of the former Yankee Pedlar Inn. Since early 2021, the City of Torrington and TDC have been pursuing the intricate legal remedies...
Yankee Pedlar Receivership Update (May 1, 2025)
The TDC continues to build momentum since it was awarded receiver of the former Yankee Pedlar Inn. Through a developer procurement process a prospective developer has been vetted. The name and details will be disclosed upon...