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September 6, 2024

Developer sought to build medical worker housing at former St. Mary’s School in downtown Waterbury

Michael Puffer The former St. Mary Grammar School campus at 55 Cole St. In Waterbury.
By Michael Puffer

Waterbury officials have launched a search for a developer to transform the former St. Mary’s Grammar School into affordable housing for medical workers.

The city is holding out the possibility of a state grant of up to $20 million as an incentive. 

The school closed in 2018. The city purchased the property last year for $1 million, with an eye toward guiding its redevelopment.

The 2.2-acre property at 55 Cole St. and 320 East Main St. sits just off a corner of St. Mary’s Hospital at the edge of downtown Waterbury. 

It hosts four brick classroom buildings ranging from 7,875 square feet to 15,525 square feet, dating back between 1936 and 1945. There is also an unheated, 1,400-square-foot brick storage building.

The city issued a request for proposals late Friday afternoon seeking developers interested in buying the property and tapping a state program intended to subsidize the creation of housing for medical workers. The program was authorized as part of an adjustment to the state’s biennial budget in 2022.

Waterbury Mayor Paul Pernerewski said city officials decided to issue an RFP after learning of the state grant potential. He said there have been talks with state Department of Housing staff. 

“They are interested in getting it rolling and we have the property,” Pernerewski said. “Just put two and two together.”

Pernerewski said the city is looking for a plan that will enhance the area and add to the character of the downtown, as well as providing the greatest amount of housing possible. 

The city’s initial analysis indicates the property can host up to 90 apartment units, with about 60 in existing buildings and up to 30 more in new construction on a parking lot.

The city will host a site tour on Sept. 17. Responses are due by Oct. 2.

For more information, visit www.waterburyct.org/purchasing. 

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