Great Things are Happening Downtown

June 5, 2008– In this first monthly Torrington Development Corporation column, I am pleased to report that great things are happening Downtown.

The Warner Theatre recently celebrated the grand opening of the Carole and Ray Neag Performing Arts Center in the newly renovated Merz Building. We have seen new retail establishments such as Barking Dog Guitar Trader, BraeVal, Brio Academy of Cosmetology, Kil’n Time invest in the heart of Downtown. Bogey’s Restaurant and Pub opened in the historic Yankee Pedlar Inn and the Merz Building will soon be home to Cambridge Brew Pub.

Torrington is fortunate to be home to the Warner Theatre and Nutmeg Conservatory, which stand side-by-side as the architectural centerpiece of our Main Street. Other cultural organizations include Artwell Gallery, the Torrington Historical Society, the Trinity Art Series, and the new Studio 59, to name just a few.

These diverse cultural organizations will continue to serve as the cornerstone for the revitalization of Downtown Torrington into a thriving district, an effort coordinated by the Torrington Development Corporation (TDC). With the Warner Theatre as a catalyst, the TDC is working to strengthen the existing mixed uses of downtown; promote the local and regional arts; preserve Torrington’s heritage and unique historic character; and improve the pedestrian experience. That’s what the Municipal Development Plan (MDP) is all about.

With a grant from the State of Connecticut, the TDC is currently preparing a MDP. Since the downtown project involves public funding, the State requires that Torrington conduct an MDP process. While called a “Plan”, the MDP actually serves as an ordinance that will guide all future development within the Downtown district. This will ensure that new development is consistent to what the community envisions.

Our vision includes traffic and streetscape improvements to Main Street, a riverwalk along the banks of the Naugatuck River, façade improvement programs to help renovate historic buildings, and the attraction of new niche retail stores and restaurants. This downtown vision is also consistent with state goals of promoting responsible growth that includes utilizing existing infrastructure and infill development rather than new development in greenspaces. These plans will be refined throughout the MDP process and the public will have the opportunity to participate and comment.

Great things are happening Downtown and the TDC will continue to build upon our successes. Don’t take our word for it, visit Torrington Celebrates Open House Day on Saturday June 14 th from noon – 4 PM and see these downtown treasures yourself.

This year, several downtown organizations are cooperating to create a full afternoon of tours and activities. CT Open House Day is sponsored by the CT Commission on Culture & Tourism, to broaden awareness of Connecticut’s wealth of cultural and tourism wonders. Numerous local organizations share this goal and have banded together to promote their sites individually and as whole. Joining in the spirit of this celebration, several merchants and restaurants are offering discounts to help make this a special day.

You are invited to visit the TDC booth in the beautiful Coe Park for more information on the efforts to revitalize Downtown. Come and enjoy the marvelous gems to be found in our own backyard.

For more information about downtown revitalization in general, or the CT Open House Day specifically, please visit our website at www.torringtondevelopment.org