The workshop will feature a facilitated discussion with a panel of development experts from around the region. The workshop is part of Norwich’s Vibrant Communities Initiative that aims to revitalize downtown through the rehabilitation and reuse of historic buildings. A reception and student-run tours will take place before the workshop, from 5-6 pm.

1. Contact:
Bob Mills, NCDC
860.236.5442
MEDIA RELEASE Steve Cecil, The Cecil Group
For Immediate Release 617.426.5050
Vibrant Communities Initiative
Feb. 22 Public Workshop: Historic Redevelopment in Downtown Norwich
Norwich, CT (February 13, 2011) – Residents, property owners and businesses are invited
to a workshop on Feb. 22 to learn about the kinds of redevelopment that could help
revitalize downtown Norwich. The workshop will run from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Slater
Auditorium at Norwich Free Academy (305 Broadway; map).
There will be a reception from 5-6 p.m. at the new NFA atrium with student-guided tours of
the museum every 10 minutes. Beginning at 6 p.m., the workshop will feature a facilitated
discussion with a panel of development experts from around the region. The workshop is
part of Norwich’s Vibrant Communities Initiative to revitalize downtown through the
rehabilitation and reuse of historic buildings.
The workshop will focus on potential projects along Main Street that could serve as
prototypes for future redevelopment in downtown Norwich. Attendees will have the
opportunity to provide input and participate in a
discussion with development experts.
Norwich Community Development Corporation
(NCDC) is managing the Vibrant Communities
Project in partnership with the City of Norwich and
Norwich Historical Society. A steering committee
and a consultant team headed by Boston-based
planning and urban design firm The Cecil Group
(www.cecilgroup.com) are providing assistance.
The project is funded by the Connecticut
Commission on Culture and Tourism and is Watch the WFSB video
administered by the Connecticut Trust for Historic
Preservation.
Downtown Norwich has a vast array of buildings and resources that reflect the city’s rich
cultural and economic history. This planning project will examine these assets and help
determine the best uses for select historic buildings. It will complement the $3.8 million
revitalization effort approved by voters in 2010 and help the City identify the buildings that
will be key to the revitalization program’s success.
The Feb. 22 workshop will include a project update by the Cecil Group. Citizens interested
in attending the workshop are asked to RSVP to admin@askncdc.com by Feb. 17, 2011.
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