This year marks the 25th anniversary of the opening of the Brass Mill Centre and Commons, the 1.1 million-sq.-foot mall and retail hub that’s been a regional purchasing and enjoyment destination for multiple generations of people and inhabitants in the area. As a major taxpayer in the city, the mall is a vital husband or wife in retaining our group flourishing.
As buyer purchasing behavior have adjusted, rumors have inaccurately circulated about the foreseeable future of the shopping mall. The mall’s new homeowners, having said that, are planning on not only creating infrastructure advancements, these as upgrades to the HVAC system and supplying the parking large amount a refresh, but strategies are underway for new stores, dining places, enjoyment solutions and neighborhood gatherings. DeadWood Axe Throwing, for case in point, will open up in September.
“We’re not closing,” mentioned Stacey Mendyka, normal supervisor for Brass Mill Heart and Commons, which is a member of the Waterbury Regional Chamber. “We are surely not shutting down, nor are we tearing it down and turning it into senior housing. We are focusing on getting some new tenants and new occasions heading to drive targeted visitors to the house.”
Mendyka suggests that new tenants have currently been secured, and they are working to bring in new amusement and restaurant selections. A person of the most asked for businesses is a coffee kiosk right after the closing of Gloria Jean’s Coffees. “That’s certainly on the list,” Mendyka said.
With the new possession by the Lengthy Island-dependent Kohan Retail Expense Team, Mendyka suggests that the enterprise is eager to spouse corporations and residents in the area. “We want to be hands-on and included in the group,” she claims.
Joe McGrath, director of economic enhancement for the Metropolis of Waterbury, says the city is searching forward to operating with the new house owners.
“When Kohan Retail Investment decision Group procured the Brass Mill Middle and the Brass Mill Commons, they built a considerable financial investment in our community and certain us their best purpose is to revitalize the residence,” McGrath said. “Kohan owns 60 more malls and unquestionably has the abilities and eyesight to make that transformation happen. CEO Michael Kohan is quite optimistic that the Waterbury shopping mall will have a vibrant long run and the town is seeking ahead to doing the job with them to achieve that goal.”
Just one new characteristic management is hoping to unveil shortly is a pop-up-model “market” related to Sunday’s Fourth of July meals truck function. Planned to run from 6-10 p.m. on choose dates, the sector would convey collectively one of a kind foodstuff offers, distributors, and maybe reside music – all having spot outside. Mendyka reported the corporation is continuing to search for other techniques to get the community to occur together.
“We are wanting forward to revitalizing the center,” Mendyka reported. “I was born below and I still stay right here. It’s critical to be capable to have the shopping mall invigorated and have it as a location wherever the group can arrive and shop – we do not want them heading out of the city. We want to give them causes to arrive to the shopping mall and the metropolis.”
At present the Commons, the strip shopping mall-model section that attributes shops like Chili’s Grill & Bar, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dick’s Sporting Products and Ulta Beauty, is thoroughly occupied with leased tenants, even though the mall is at 89 per cent occupancy. Contrary to well-liked fantasy, the shopping mall does not possess the vacant previous Sears or Macy’s retail areas, or JCPenney.
Looking for a haircut? Clothing? Watch a movie? Get your nails accomplished? For these possibilities and additional, stay regional and verify out the Brass Mill Middle, a dependable Waterbury Regional Chamber member. For a finish listing, stop by: brassmillcenter.com
Lynn Ward is president and CEO of the Waterbury Regional Chamber. Contact her at 203-757-0701 ext. 310 or lward@waterburychamber.com.
