Melissa Bailey Photo
Jewelry store co-owner Robert Lang.
The recession didn’t stop 36 stores from opening in New Haven commercial districts in the past year, including a new designer jewelry outlet across from the state’s largest apartment tower.
The city announced that news in a press conference Wednesday morning at Arpaia Lang, the new jewelry shop at 806 Chapel St.
The shop opened Sept. 23 on the corner of Chapel and Orange streets, right across the street from the 360 State apartment tower, the 32-story complex that opened a year and a half ago. The tower is now 88 percent filled, according to developer Bruce Becker.
The juxtaposition is no coincidence: Success of the new building, which holds 500 apartments, has spilled over into downtown, contributing to a “strong retail year,” said Mayor John DeStefano.
The proximity to 360 State was one reason Robert Lang decided to move his jewelry shop from Cheshire to downtown New Haven. Lang teamed up with his “soul mate” and business partner Kim Arpaia to take a gamble on a high-end store on a previously run-down stretch of Chapel Street.
Arpaia, a former attorney, said when she decided to go into business with Lang, “we could’ve gone anywhere.”
“We thought about some really affluent areas,” Arpaia said. When they decided on New Haven, their friends “all tried to talk us out of it,” Arpaia recalled. Her friends said the custom jewelry, which is made with “rare materials,” should be sold in Miami or New York. But Arpaia, who’s lived in New Haven since 1987, said she was committed to taking a risk in the Elm City. With the help of Realtor John Wareck, they settled on 806 Chapel St., the former home of the 360 State leasing office, and before that a men’s shoe store.
360 State.
The shop was one of 36 that opened since late last year in the city’s commercial districts, according to the city. That includes downtown as well as Grand Avenue, Whalley Avenue, Chapel West and Westville.
The greater downtown business district has a 89 percent occupancy of storefronts, according to Rena Leddy, the outgoing executive director of the Town Green Special Services District. Of those stores, 87 percent are locally owned, DeStefano said.
Leddy called the jewelry shop “a great addition” to downtown.
DeStefano said the high occupancy is evidence that New Haven’s local economy is strong, despite the global recession. Residential occupancy is another good sign too, he said: a whopping 98 percent of rental units citywide are filled.
The mayor noted that with O’Tooles Irish Pub and Devil’s Gear Bike Shop and the nearby Elm City Market, downtown’s Pitkin Plaza has become a new hub of activity. In the past five to seven years, the city has thrived with the opening of 360 State, the State Street commuter train station, and the filling up of vacant spots in the 9th Square, he said.
“There are still challenges,” DeStefano noted, pointing out the boarded-up property across the street. That building, home of the former 2 Brothers Beauty Supply, has languished as the rest of the area improved. DeStefano said that’s more an issue of neglect by an out-of-town landlord rather than lack of interest in businesses moving downtown.
He was asked how retail is going strong while unemployment in the city remains at 12 percent.
“It’s a diverse economy,” replied DeStefano. “Some people are doing well; others are not.”
Meanwhile, Arpaia gave tours of her light-filled shop. A TV reporter asked her about the crowd at the nearby bus stop — which is near a park known for public urination and drinking
“We have a beautiful security system,” she replied.
Some items in the store, such as these hand-blown glass beads, start in the five-dollar range.
On the higher end, the store offers dazzling hand-made clasps (pictured) as well as strands of pink, collector’s‑grade 11-mm fresh-water pearls.
The store’s “Classic Collection” features bracelets and necklaces made of hand-twisted wire. The necklaces have 2,500 separate welds, which take 2 months to complete. They’re made of sterling silver underneath, plated on top with fine silver and 24-karat gold.
The champagne diamonds on this necklace are hand-cut, she said.
The store’s most expensive pieces cost “in the six figures,” according to Arpaia.
Asked how business is going, Arpaia said the first two months have been “a slow go.” She said she’s starting from scratch building a customer base here.
“The economy is still very bad,” Arpaia said, but she said she’s willing to stick it out in New Haven because “our hearts” are here.
I walk by that jewelry store all the time but I never thought to go in because it looks so expensive. It's good to know that they have things starting at $5.