02/28/2026
A Straightforward Update from Shawn
On Wednesday, after 18 months of negotiations and many previous inquiries from them and others, we officially sold our building at 1144 Chapel Street to Yale University Properties.
Let me be very clear:
Hull’s is not closing. Hull’s is not being absorbed. Hull’s is not being run by Yale University. Hull’s is not going anywhere.
We are — and will remain — an independent, locally owned art supply and framing business run by Deb and me. Hull's is the only independent full line art supply store in the state. In the 80's there were upwards of 35 art supply stores in CT.
Owning and maintaining an aging commercial building has become increasingly expensive and unpredictable. Between rising property taxes, major repair surprises (yes, that furnace), and the general cost of operating in today’s environment, it became clear that the smartest long-term move was to focus on the store itself — not the building.
Selling the property significantly reduces our annual expenses and strengthens the business. That means more stability, better inventory planning, reinvestment in https://www.shophulls.com and the ability to keep doing what we’ve done since 1947: serving artists, students, and this creative community.
Independent art stores operate in a tough industry. Large national chains have tried and failed here. Major distributors have filed for bankruptcy. Tariffs! The landscape is constantly shifting. This decision positions Hull’s to remain strong and independent — not just survive, but continue forward with confidence.
Fortunately, we are in an association of 30 other independent art supply store around the country who pool our buying power with some of the major manufacturers to help level the playing field.
You may notice improvements to the outside areas of the building as Yale takes over responsibility for shared public spaces. Inside the store? It’s still us.
Same staff.
Same hours.
Same slightly quirky energy.
Same commitment to New Haven.
I made the decision that was best for the long-term health of the business, our employees, and our customers.
We’re still here. And we’re not done.
— Shawn