Lambert Kay becomes Winsted Edge Works

Real estate firm officially takes ownership of property

WINSTED — Parker Benjamin Real Estate officially purchased the former Lambert Kay property — now rechristened the Winsted Edge Works — at 32 Lake St. on Friday, according to an announcement by the town.

“This is an extremely exciting day for Winchester - finally we will see progress toward the opening of Little Red Barn Brewers, Mad River Market, Scene Art Bar and others! Looking forward to the great improvements on tap (pun intentional) for this end of Town!!” Town officials wrote on Facebook. “Congratulations and good luck to Brian Lyman and Parker Benjamin!”

Lyman said Monday that the company was excited to see this next step come to pass. Construction is expected to begin next week, and the first tenant — the Little Red Barn Brewers — could be offered space within the building in 90 days.

“This is a great opportunity for us,” said Lyman, noting the history of the property, as well as the organization’s specialty in repurposing former mill buildings.

“I can’t tell you how excited we are.”

Five groups have currently reserved space in the Winsted Edge Works, Lyman said. In addition to the brewery, Mad River Market co-op, and Scene Art Bar, Herr Linkee Design Studios and Early Mariner Design and Build had signaled that they would like to take up residence there.

The building used to be the home of the Winsted Edge Tool Works Company, Lyman said.

It will take approximately three years to complete the renovation process and fill the space, Lyman said. He looks forward to working with the building department and fire marshal as the work continues — it has been a positive experience in Winsted so far, he said.

“We’ve had an excellent experience in Winsted. The community has welcomed up with open arms,” said Lyman.

Town residents voted to sell the property to Parker Benjamin Real Estate in July 2017 for $1,000.

The town purchased the former pet grooming supply factory in 2002 for $1.

More than $500,000 in state funding went into remediating the building and surrounding land over the next decadeplus.

Ben Lambert / Hearst Connecticut Media The Winsted Edge Works, located at 32 Lake St., as seen Monday. Parker Benjamin Real Estate officially purchased the property Friday.

Ben Lambert / Hearst Connecticut Media The Winsted Edge Works, located at 32 Lake Street, as seen Monday. Parker Benjamin Real Estate officially purchased the property Friday.