The end of 2014 had many of us downtown D-block folks buzzing. There's a renewed sense of energy and excitement. It looks like 2015 is going to be pretty exciting for the Hat City.
First, although final approvals are still pending, Naugatuck Valley Community College announced plans for a new Danbury campus to be located in what’s known as The Pershing Building located at the corner of Main and West Street, across from the Danbury Library. The new Danbury campus will occupy approximately 20,000 sq. feet.
The larger space will be home to classrooms, large lecture space, computer labs, science lab and prep room, health lab, a large multipurpose room for tutoring, library, and a small bookstore, a student lounge, and faculty and staff offices. With this new location, the college will be able to substantially increase the number and type of courses offered. Occupancy is expected in the summer of 2015 with classes to begin in the Fall of 2015.
Second, there is the Greystar project already underway at the 10-acre site just off Kennedy Avenue. The plan is for 375 apartments ranging in size from studios to townhomes all in a mid to upper price range. The project is slated to be completed by the end of 2016. To me, these sound like prime spots for young professionals to call home.
With an increase of young people in our downtown, new small businesses may be able to find a new home in downtown as well. There are many vacant storefronts that offer opportunity, especially once a larger audience is walking our streets. I know I hope one day to have a local coffee shop in walking distance from my office; but there are lots of possibilities.
It’s an exciting time to be a part of the Hat City. There is a lot of promise. Fingers crossed that both the Greystar and NVCC projects act as catalysts for driving growth and improvements in our city. 2015 could be the start of something truly happening downtown. The future is looking bright.Labels: connecticut, danbury, downtown
