History - Avon Village Center

Our History

Avon Village Center was conceived as a mixed-use hub for the community. Ensign-Bickford Industries, a longstanding Avon presence, owned a large portion of the proposed development land. They initially planned to develop their land but later opted to bring the property to market, selling 97.5 acres to Carpionato Group.

The Beginning

1800s

William Bickford’s invention of the safety fuse revolutionized mining and construction safety. His son-in-law, Simsbury Ensign, brought the business to Connecticut, where Climax Fuse Company grew into a campus of nearly 98 acres of brick mill buildings.

1900s

Climax Fuse evolved into Ensign-Bickford Company, a major employer in town. Despite the company’s presence, Avon never developed a true retail/commercial village center.

1960s

After Avon’s Town Hall burned, part of the former Climax Fuse factory was converted into the new Town Hall.

Office at Ensign-Bickford Company

Ensign Bickford Company Mills

Old Works of Ensign-Bickford

Avon Congregational Church- West Main Street (U.S. Route 44) and Route 10

Ensign-Bickford Mill

The 2010s

Town leaders envisioned creating a vibrant village center in Avon. By then, Ensign-Bickford had closed its factory, leaving much of the land vacant.

2012

Ensign-Bickford partnered with the town on a mixed-use master plan, which received approval, but eventually decided to sell the land.

2015

Carpionato Group purchased the 97.5-acre site and worked with the town to enhance the plan - 1.25 million sq. ft. blending retail, dining, office, and 450 residential units into a walkable mixed-use community.

2019-2020

Carpionato Group worked on renovating the existing site, including 100,000 square feet of commercial space across 13 buildings.

Construction began on the first phase of the new development, emphasizing high-quality design, and community-oriented public spaces.

2021

Anchor tenant, Whole Foods Market, debuted

The first retail and dining tenants opened, establishing Avon Village Center as a premier shopping destination.

Today

Carpionato Group is dedicated to expanding Avon Village Center with a diverse mix of retail, dining, and residential spaces, enhancing convenience and lifestyle for residents. Committed to preserving Avon's charm while introducing modern amenities, we continue to shape a vibrant, lasting community hub.