I went to Waterbury to see its elegant and restored City Hall.
The marble-faced building and four other municipal buildings in the complex were constructed in the 1910s. All were designed by noted architect (and longtime Ridgefield resident) Cass Gilbert in the Georgian Revival and Second Renaissance Revival architectural styles.
The entire five building complex is on the National Register of Historic Places. They were originally financed by one of Waterbury's brass manufacturing companies.
The central staircase is a masterpiece.
A statue and plaques honoring Gold Star Mothers are in the center.
An "aldermanic chamber" for formal meetings of the city's governing body is at one end of the second floor.
Waterbury's financial fortunes suffered in the late 20th century when brass manufacturing moved to other states and countries. City Hall suffered serious neglect and most civic functions left the building. But, in 2007 a large bond issue was approved to finance renovation of the building. It reopened in 2011.
1 comment:
Classy.
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