Stowe Street Alley Project
Concept drawing - view from Stowe Street
FALL 2023 Update
Revitalizing Waterbury (RW) and a host of volunteers have been working for nearly two years on a plan to reclaim and transform an alley that is central to Waterbury’s historic downtown district. The renovated Stowe Street Alley will be an active, pedestrian walkway for all ages, connecting Stowe Street with Bidwell Lane: residents and visitors will welcome and appreciate this community space. The Alley will host art installations, artist demos and performances. It will be a destination to meet friends, soak up Waterbury's history and simply relax among gardens and greenery. This new vital Alley will enhance our downtown...a place for all.
Community spaces and public art inspire...conversation, protest, perspective, dreams and action.
Life without these would be dull and colorless.
- Whitney Aldrich, Waterbury business owner and resident
The Project
If you believe a town can reimagine itself, then you believe in Waterbury.
The Stowe Street Alley project is one more piece to the puzzle!
- Theresa Wood, State Representative and Waterbury resident
Transforming a Downtown Alley into a Vibrant Community Space
The Stowe Street Alley project is a community-driven initiative focused on turning a blighted alleyway located between 21 and 23 Stowe Street into a welcoming community space for events, exhibits and gatherings. Following Main Street Reconstruction, a significant investment in our downtown, Waterbury is recognized as a vibrant destination, with strong appeal to residents, businesses and visitors. With the town's renewal, the reclamation of this underutilized alley, central to Waterbury's historic district stands out as the "next step."
every project has a story
Jack Carter, the original owner of the Stowe Street Emporium at 23 Stowe Street, dreamt of reviving the alley next to his store for more than 20 years. Jack was a beloved and active member of the community with a playful sense of whimsy and a deep appreciation for Waterbury's history. Since his passing, a committee of volunteers, led by Revitalizing Waterbury, has committed to bringing Jack's dream to life. The Stowe Street Alley Project is this dream.
The Alley Project has three components:
- Installation of a new surface made from pavers and bricks, creating spaces for art demonstrations and performances, an in-ground garden bed, a structure over the cellar stairway to 23 Stowe Street and screening for the utilities.
- Functional and artistic streetscape features such as benches, trash/recycling, security assets, and additional landscaping.
- Integrated art components, including lighting and a gateway.
Help transform the Alley
The blighted alley viewed from Stowe Street (l) / Everyone enjoying music in the alley (r)
Click Here to Donate Now!
We are pleased to report that we have already raised 50% of the funds needed from a variety of sources, including donations from local organizations, a Vermont Arts Council grant, a brick fundraiser and memorial gifts given in memory of Waterbury friend Jack Carter.
Thank you to everyone who purchased an engraved brick to support the Stowe Street Alley project! The bricks were purchased as donations by Waterbury community members, local businesses and organizations to support the Rally for the Alley fundraiser. Donors engraved bricks with sayings and phrases celebrating family and affirmations of Waterbury itself. These bricks will be incorporated into the Alley surface. The campaign raised over $25,000 towards the Alley's paving.
Who we are
Our values include creativity, inclusivity, the preservation of Waterbury's history and the fostering of community pride. A true public venture, local members involved in the project and serving on the Stowe Street Alley Committee include engineers, graphic designers, artists, landscape architects, general contractors, business owners, marketing professionals, and planners.
This project is in partnership with These organizations:
Steiner Family
and Area Businesses and Community Members