Greenwich Avenue Construction Project Going to New Depths

For years, Thataway Cafe was a popular restaurant that anchored the mutli-story building at the bottom of Greenwich Avenue.

That building at 407-409 Greenwich Ave. was razed last fall to make way for a new three-story 12,000 square foot structure that will include a new restaurant on the street level with retail space on the second floor and two luxury condominiums with water views on the third floor.

What is making this construction project different is that the contractor, JCS Construction Group of Stamford, has approval to drill 12 geothermal wells. Each well will be 500 feet deep and situated below the new building. The wells are said to be the first approved and attempted on Greenwich Avenue. The green geothermal system will use ambient temperature of the ground water for its heating and cooling systems, significantly reducing the energy consumption and operating expenses of the property, according to Justin Shaw, principle of JCS Construction Group, Inc. the development company and partial owner of CCP 409 Greenwich Ave. LLC.

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The project is scheduled to be completed in September, according to JCS spokeswoman Dana Jevarjian.

The restaurant is expected to generate excitement in the area's culinary scene as it will be operated "by a celebrity chef who has two restaurants," Jevarjian said. She said an announcement identifying the chef is expected be made in June.

Shaw explained the decision to use geothermal heating and cooling for the project.

"When you look at geothermal for a home, it is much harder to make the economics work unless you plan to live in the home for over 15 years. In this case, however, the instant utility rebates, tax rebates and accelerated depreciation alone make it attractive" Shaw said in a statement. "The increased revenue is just the cherry on top," he added.

"Although we are not seeking a LEED certification, we do see the value in Green Building and the long term benefits it will have to the community at large. We are pleased to introduce something new to the Greenwich Avenue." JCS has also is using recycled steel for the super structure.

Jevarjian added, "This is a very delicate project, all eyes are on us and we are being very sensitive needs of tourists, the locals and the businesses around the project."