Greenport’s Stirling Square, mostly vacant since chef Keith Luce’s multi-venture complex closed shop in 2013, will be fully occupied with tenants come spring, according to the property owner and new tenants.
Nick DeCillis will open Basso, an Italian deli, in the space that most recently housed Luce’s “Nosh.” Designer Joann Brancato plans to open a design studio in the former Kim Elaine’s Hair Studio space.
“I’m happy that Stirling is going to be fully leased through 2015,” said property owner Brent Pelton, who purchased the parcel in September. “We worked hard to make sure the new tenants are all a good fit and will have a synergy.”
Earlier this month we reported that Pelton and restaurateur Dennis McDermott will open a restaurant with a working title of American Beech in the square’s anchor building. And entrepreneur Matt Michel, building on the success of his wood-fired pizza truck by the name “Rolling in Dough,” opened 1943 Pizza Bar in the square last June.
Brancato will sell vintage furniture, her jeweler designs and more in her store, which will likely be called Open Space. She hopes to open by April 1.
“I always wanted to open a store in Greenport and I’ve always loved Stirling Square,” she said. “I thought the size was perfect. I always had my eye on that one.
“I’d rather be there than on the main street. It’s like a little community.”
DeCillis, who did not return calls seeking comment, told the Greenport Historic Preservation Commission in April 2014 that he hopes to have red and black decor inside the eatery. DeCillis, who signed a leased when the complex was still owned by previous owner Farouk Ahmad, also told the village Planning Board he plans to serve tapas, takeout, cheese and cured meats.
He said he will seek a license to sell wine and beer.
