For a century, Jimmies of Savin Rock in West Haven was one of the most iconic seafood restaurants on the Connecticut coastline.
To the surprise of many, the restaurant closed its doors last December with five generations of ownership overseeing the eatery over its lengthy history.
The Rock Street property is now on the market from RIPCO Real Estate. Advertised as a “redevelopment opportunity,” the 6.97-acre listing includes the 12,923-square-foot building. The offering is comprised of two parcels, according to the marketing brochure. The brochure highlights the area’s panoramic water views of New Haven Harbor and Long Island Sound, its position in an “emerging waterfront district” and its access to local transportation.
“Situated along West Haven’s iconic shoreline within the historic Savin Rock district, 5 Rock Street presents a rare-to-market waterfront development opportunity in one of Connecticut’s most recognizable coastal communities. The site benefits from a highly desirable location adjacent to the Long Island Sound, offering exceptional visibility, waterfront access, and proximity to a growing mix of residential, hospitality and recreational destinations,” the brochure reads.
No asking price is noted and pricing must be requested, the RIPCO website notes. RIPCO brokers did not immediately respond to a request for comment. It is being advertised as having “significant redevelopment and value-add potential.”
The adjacent Savin Rock Conference Center is currently under construction and is set to become The Kelsey at Savin Rock — a plan that has been nearly two years in the making. The website for The Kelsey notes that it is anticipating to open by the end of 2026.
The relationship between Jimmies and the city of West haven was fraught due to a series of lawsuits and zoning appeals, much of which stems from the development of a new brewery and taproom for New England Brewing Co. (NEBCO) on city-owned land directly adjacent to Jimmies. The NEBCO deal did not go through.
Dining and Cooking