Willimantic, CT

Year 1: Visitor Center

The Visitor Center opened at the Thread City Museum site to welcome guests and to promote community businesses and events.  Since its opening, the Visitor Center has become a resource for people traveling in this, the state’s “Quiet Corner.”

Year 2:  Façade Program

Architect Gordon MacDonald volunteered his services designing the model façade program.  This project included developing guidelines and a a process for the renovation of facades on main Street that maintain the Victorian character of the buildings.  To date, three buildings have undergone improvements with several more in the works.

Year 3: Butterfly Garden

Nate and Bernard Schillberg purchased CEDF-based tax credits in memory of their father to fund installation of a butterfly garden in Jillson Square facing Main Street.  The garden will improve the streetscape on Main Street and the view of Main Street from the Frog Bridge.  The design includes appropriate plans for attracting butterflies as well as improvement to the areas surrounding existing signage and a gazebo.