Call Ahead To Get A Table

November 29, 2006
Column By STAN SIMPSON

It wasn't so long ago that Shawn Eddy was extracting and manipulating genes of laboratory mice in hopes of finding cures for virulent diseases.

But as a young Yale research scientist, Eddy, a native of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, never forgot about what his grandfather taught him about land. Whenever possible, however possible, said granddad, a farmer, buy it.

After several successful real estate deals - from the purchase of his first home in Amherst, Mass., at age 21 to fixing and flipping luxury condos and commercial property in New Haven - Eddy's next experiment is his most exhilarating.

The 30-year-old Springfield resident and his partner, Anne Bell, are trying to turn 24,000 square feet of prime but long dormant downtown Hartford property into a moneymaker.

Nine years after the brief run of Corny T's - formerly Spencer's - The Emperor at The Linden restaurant/lounge is open for business at the corner of Main Street and Capitol Avenue.

Corny T's, owned by former University of Connecticut basketball standout Corny Thompson, opened with a splash in the summer of 1997 but closed less than three months later. It was the old story with new businesses: too many bills, not enough cash and shortsighted management.

Eddy's vocation is now real estate investing. His avocation is the restaurant and nightclub business. He considers himself a connoisseur of elegant tastes in dining and nightlife and believes his vision of an upscale place fit for a king - or an emperor - will be a hit.

Eddy and Bell purchased the space for $575,000. "When I walked the property, tears came to my eyes," Eddy said as we toured his place. "This was hands-down one of the best deals I'd seen in my life. I was like, oh my gosh, this is perfect. Nice structure, beautiful building, an upscale clientele right upstairs. It just needed to be brought up to speed." After a half-million dollars of improvements, the former research scientist is confident he's found the right formula for international dining and a good party.

An ebony grand piano sits in the dining area with the candle-lit tables and a refinished Al Capone bar. One of the many lounges hosts the "Emperor's Table" - a 10-seat linear structure in which guests can watch on a projection screen as the chefs in the kitchen prepare their meals. Eddy says the in-kitchen camera is an accent popular in New York and Miami; as is the "Emperor's Lounge" - or is it lair? - downstairs.

In the cavernous basement there are three queen sized beds - yes, beds - with leather headboards, sofas and chairs, big screen televisions, a bar, dance floor and champagne holders scattered about. Adjacent to the lair is a cigar room. This is a place where your imagination can definitely get the best of you. OK, mine did. But I did resist the urge to exclaim: "Bring me your finest meats and cheeses."

I've made no secret of my fascination with this property once owned by boxing promoter Don King. Only in America could a gold mine like this sit vacant in the capital city of the richest state for almost a decade.

The sheer size intimidated speculators, as did the $60,000-a-year tax bite. But nearly 60 condos rest above the structure, which is across from a federal courthouse, the public library and city hall, and is within walking distance of the state Capitol and the convention center. The Emperor is so big it could accommodate a bachelorette party, a billiards tournament, a wine-tasting exhibit and a business conference all at the same time.

Quite a mixture, indeed. But Eddy is used to tinkering.