Former Life: In 1920, the Life Savers Candy Company built its five-story headquarters and manufacturing building here, occupying a whopping 245,000 square feet. At the peak of production in the 1960s, the factory pumped out 616 million rolls a year of the candy with the hole. It’s said you could tell what flavor was being made based on the aroma that wafted from the factory. In 1984, by which time demand for sugary candies had declined, Life Savers’ parent company, Nabisco Brands, closed the plant and moved operations to Michigan. The building has since been added to the National Register of Historic Places.
New Life: In 1985, First Hartford Partners bought the green-and-white factory for $2 million. They converted it to 199 condominium units, many with sleeping lofts, cutting a giant atrium into the middle of the structure for light but maintaining many exterior terra-cotta details. The building was plagued by construction problems and political scandal (six local politicians were investigated for alleged insider deals on the condos), but the building has since become a symbol of Port Chester’s renaissance.
Amenities: Lobby with concierge, laundry room, A/C, pool and Jacuzzi, fitness center, one parking space included in common charges.
To Buy: Apartments currently on the market include a studio for $199,000 and a loft-bedroom unit for $215,000.
