A transfusion of tens of millions in public and private dollars is being pumped into the historic heart of Waterbury to revitalize the city center as a thriving, desirable place to live, do business and visit for arts, culture and entertainment. The major focus is the Central Business District that encompasses historic downtown Waterbury and the new Freight Street District. It is bounded by the Metro-North Railroad station on Meadow Street and the Freight Street corridor to the west, Interstate 84 to the south, Saint Mary’s Hospital to the east, and to the buildings north of Waterbury Green. The Board of Aldermen approved a $18 million bond issue to support a $28.9 million project to redevelop West Main Street between Route 8 and Riverside Street along the Naugatuck River and the Waterbury Green in the center of downtown. Once the underground utility work is completed, then work can start on a streetscaping project using $9.8 million in federal funding to complete the makeover of West Main Street from Route 8 and Riverside Drive to Waterbury Green, including enhancements to sidewalks, lighting, and roadways. The complete streetscape project is under design and construction is expected to begin in November 2026 and conclude the following year.
Under construction: Tens of millions being invested in downtown Waterbury revival
