Jailhouse Rocks

Former Litchfield Prison Now a Unique Shopping Mecca

North Street, one of the premier streets in America, where some of the nation’s most important historical and period houses are located, is also the site of a grim reminder of the town’s legal and military past.

The Litchfield Jail, the first part of which was built in 1812 and which once confined debtors who had fallen on hard times and petty criminals (at one point it held British prisoners of the War of 1812), has embarked on a glittering new chapter in its long history. Today the site of such former despair has become a social and business hub in one of Litchfield County’s most distinguished towns.

Thanks to the vision and perseverance of developer Russell Barton, the former jailhouse is now a multipurpose building, featuring three apartments—including a spacious penthouse—offices, a restaurant and a complex of unique shops. The anchor, and the tenant with the largest space on the second level, is Marketplace Tavern, part of the Market Hospitalist Group (MHG.)

Challenging as it might seem, the restaurant’s interior has been successfully designed to retain as many of the jail’s original features and to preserve the integrity and history of the building. Thus, the original bars on the windows were retained (a request from the Litchfield Historic District Commission) and several of the cells have been repurposed as intimate spaces to have dinner, a unique dining experience, to say the least.

There are several rooms in which to dine as well as a bar area that used to be cell blocks.

The menu consists of pub fare, including a variety of burgers and salads as well as seafood and pastas and a host of tempting desserts. The bar serves an impressive array of craft beers.

An added attraction to Marketplace Tavern is the outdoor seating area, perfect for a meal or to sit with a glass of wine and watch the activity on the Litchfield Green.

Adjacent to the restaurant is Lulu Face Company, one of the first tenants in the complex.
Owner Linda Temkin, who has been in the beauty business for more than 30 years, launched her custom cosmetics line in 2007 to offer products made from natural ingredients such as minerals and botanicals.

“I don’t want to just sell cosmetics,” says Temkin. “I want to provide a personalized experience. We custom blend what is going to work for a particular individual. Everyone’s needs are different and we can provide the essential services.”

Temkin has turned two spaces into a welcoming, uniquely decorated, shop. One part is the atelier for treatments and the other side a retail space for her beauty products. Here too, there are traces of the original prison décor that complement the eclectic surroundings.

On the street level of the jail complex are two food-related shops that are not to be missed. The Bakehouse of Litchfield is a place full of heavenly aromas and extraordinary baked goods. The offerings include breads—from French baguettes and sourdough to focaccia and challah—a selection of rolls, muffins and scones as well as brownies, lemon cakes, croissants, cookies and pain au chocolat. There is something for everyone.

Owners Jeremy McKendry and Allison Varian met when they were at Whole Foods Market in Yonkers NY, he as head baker and she as pastry decorator. In 2017, after having worked for some of the finest bakers in New York City and Westchester County, they opened their own shop. Now those fortunate enough to live in Litchfield and its environs are the recipients of their fine talents.

The Bakehouse’s interior has also integrated some of the prison’s relics and trappings to give it a unique atmosphere.

The newest addition to the jailhouse shops is The Discerning Palate, a gourmet shop that rivals any found in larger metropolitan cities. Owner Susan Guletsky, a former airline pilot, has brought together some of the finest food and cooking products and created a charming shop where one can spend hours browsing.

Unlike some of the other tenants, Guletsky has painted the shop’s interior in bright colors, making the space seem larger and more luminous. Shelves line the walls with everything from imported cheeses, olives and tomato sauce to an array of pastas, a wealth of oils and vinegars, as well as a selection of Italian baked goods.

“As a pilot for a major airline,” explains Guletsky, “I’ve had the opportunity to travel to Europe countless times for business and pleasure. Each time I would visit markets, bringing back tastier versions of everyday items. Being of Italian heritage, I’ve learned good ingredients are essential and I’ve brought many of those to the shop so customers can enjoy them and understand what a difference a brand can make. As an example, once you’ve tried a bottle of white beans from France you won’t ever buy canned ones again.”

If one is a cook or just someone who enjoys the finest food products, it’s impossible to leave the Discerning Palate empty-handed.

So, on your next visit to West Street’s row of shops, walk across the Green and visit the unique group of vendors that comprise the Jailhouse Shops. Don’t worry—it won’t be a guarded experience!