Waterbury NEXT
In 2014, the State of Connecticut awarded a multi-million dollar grant to the City of Waterbury for furthering its Waterbury NEXT strategy. The plan consists of six comprehensive initiatives to further revitalize Downtown through public/private partnerships – including mass transit improvements, building renovations, apartment creation and infrastructure modernizations.
Several of the initiatives have already led to successful economic development projects.
![View of city streets and buildings in Downtown Waterbury Connecticut](/application/files/thumbnails/custom_526x526_proportional_2x/3915/9866/2536/waterbury_ct_city_downtown_revitalization.jpg)
Howland-Hughes Building
The largest commercial building in Downtown Waterbury has been reimagined by Post University as its Online Education Hub. The five-story structure that was once the famous Howland-Hughes Department Store includes a massive lobby regularly used as a great community gathering space – holding events like local artist exhibitions and holiday extravaganzas.
![Entrance to Post University at the Howland Hughes Building in Downtown Waterbury](/application/files/thumbnails/custom_526x526_proportional_2x/6015/9923/1295/waterbury_ct_post_downtown_howland_hughes_building.jpg)
![Patrons viewing framed artwork on the walls at Post University art gallery exhibit in Waterbury CT](/application/files/thumbnails/custom_526x526_proportional_2x/4015/9866/1958/waterbury_ct_downtown_post_university_art_gallery_exhibit.jpg)
UConn Waterbury
The University of Connecticut has a campus in Downtown Waterbury – with students living in the historic, recently-renovated Brown Building.
![Exterior of UConn Waterbury building in downtown Waterbury CT with car driving by](/application/files/thumbnails/custom_526x526_proportional_2x/7415/9866/3239/waterbury_ct_downtown_uconn_branch.jpg)
![Two UConn Waterbury students lounging at the residence hall at the Brown Building](/application/files/thumbnails/custom_526x526_proportional_2x/7715/9866/3311/waterbury_ct_uconn_residence_hall_brown_building.jpg)
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Palace Theater
Having undergone an exhaustive renovation, the venue that has provided historic performances by music and stage’s finest is now a sparkling jewel gaining attention from artists and spectators alike. Each year, the Palace hosts hundreds of shows and events – everything from Brian Wilson to Broadway – that entertain tens of thousands.
![View of the stunning architecture featured inside The Palace Theater in Waterbury CT](https://www.thewaterbury.com/application/files/4915/9866/4956/waterbury_ct_palace_theater.jpg)
Mattatuck Museum
With permanent American art collections, rotating exhibitions, special events and family programming, the Mattatuck Museum has added 6,000 square feet for new exhibition spaces and a rooftop lounge. The project, completed in February 2021, is estimated to bring an additional $1 million annually to the local economy.
![Patrons looking at the art hung on the walls of the Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury CT](https://www.thewaterbury.com/application/files/5115/9866/5501/waterbury_ct_downtown_mattatuck_museum_art_gallery.jpg)
Downtown Restaurants
![Italian food and cocktails at Diorio restaurant in Downtown Waterbury](/application/files/thumbnails/custom_526x526_proportional_2x/9117/1535/0219/waterbury_ct_downtown_restaurant_diorio.jpg)
Downtown Waterbury has food options of all kinds – from grab-and-go to fine dining, from Italian to Latin American – and several dozen restaurants call the Central Business District home.
Downtown Waterbury offers several dining options that, when coupled with a performance at the Palace Theater or a visit to the Mattatuck Museum, make for a relaxing and memorable experience.
Explore the Waterbury Dining Guide
The Waterbury Green
The Waterbury Green – considered one of the most attractive downtown parks in New England – and surrounding area comprises the Waterbury Historic Downtown District. The District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.