At nearly 100 years old, the Burlington-Winooski Bridge is slated for replacement — construction is anticipated to start in 2027. Perched next to the bridge that connects the two towns is a historic brick building that has served many purposes since the 1800s: a blacksmith shop, a grocery and a secondhand store. For decades, 495 Colchester Avenue was also the Boyajians’ family home.

Sarkis Boyajian fled the Armenian genocide and came to Burlington to work in the mills. He bought the brick building in 1922 and was later joined by his wife, Paris, who was orphaned at age 12 during the genocide. In 1927, floods devastated the state and washed out the existing bridge. When a new bridge was built in 1928, it was higher than the old one, and the street and sidewalk had to be raised to meet it. The first floor of the Boyajians’ home was buried and became a second basement.

Three Boyajian siblings were born and raised in this home: Edward, who died in 2009; Steve, who is 92; and Lucy, who is 85. The family sold the house in 1986, and the building underwent an extensive restoration 10 years ago. Randall and Kathleen Brisson, the current owners, jacked up the structure 10 feet to repair its rotting foundation, added a new floor and returned the building to its pre-1927 position. The upper floors are now rental units; the bottom levels are occupied by the Boardroom café and retail store.

In the latest episode of “Stuck in Vermont,” Seven Days senior multimedia producer Eva Sollberger met with Lucy and Steve in their former basement to recall their memories of living in this historic space.

Music: Nat Keefe & Hot Buttered Rum, “Waltz in Low Light”

This episode of “Stuck in Vermont” was supported by the Vermont Community Foundation.

This article appears in June 10 • 2026.

Seven Days senior multimedia producer Eva Sollberger has been making her award-winning video series "Stuck in Vermont" since 2007. In 2024, she won first place from the Association of Alternative Newsmedia for her video, “Barbie Collector.” She received...