The Polka Dot Diner is seen on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017. (Valley News – James M. Patterson) Copyright Valley News. May not be reprinted or used online without permission. Send requests to permission@vnews.com.
The Polka Dot diner building is a step closer to reopening after its new owner won site development plan approval on Monday night from the Hartford Planning Commission.
The move could lead to a reopening of the postage stamp-sized restaurant, which closed four years ago, after interior renovations authorized by the site plan are done.
Reopening the Polka Dot building roughly will follow the opening of two other new storefronts on North Main Street: Little Istanbul, a shop owned by Tuckerbox owners Jackie and Vural Oktay that will sell imported items and handcrafts from Turkey; and Juel Juice & Smoothies, a juice and smoothie bar owned by Julie Sumanis and Elena Taylor, who operate a juice cart of the same name.
One of the interior views of the former West Lebanon Library, which developer David Clem has on the market for $795,000. (Courtesy Snyder Donegan Real Estate Group)
Right across the river, developer David Clem has again placed the old West Lebanon Library building on the market, after an earlier attempt failed to attract a buyer.
The building on Main Street was listed earlier this month with a $795,000 asking price, and is being marketed as an “incredible office for an assortment of businesses, especially for a doctor, attorney or thriving tech company.”
I remember working at the Polka Dot in the early 70’s for the Stebbins family. This was my first job after high school and moving to the upper valley from Littleton NH. I am glad to see the new use for the building and that they did not tear it down….not a real pretty building, but lots of history for White River.
Awesome! Thanks so much for sharing! I did not grow up in this area but remember the Polka Dot from a trip as a kid and agree that it has a lot of history, both for visitors/transplants like me and especially for locals. I will miss their vinegar pie but real excited that Phnom Penh is coming to town as I love their sandwiches.