In the fall of 1998 the new Brass Mill Center opened its doors on the site of the former Scovill Manufacturing Plant. As a result, the Naugatuck Valley Mall located on Wolcott Street since 1969 closed its doors, leaving the area without a major retailer. Likewise, the key tenants of the Naugatuck Valley Mall moved to the Brass Mill Center, and perception was that this once thriving retail area was no more.

But wait! Here is where the story gets good. Local merchants, with the help of the Greater Waterbury Chamber of Commerce (now known as the Waterbury Regional Chamber), came together and created the Wolcott Street/Lakewood Road business Association. Rob Kane, owner of KarTele Cellular Phones, was chosen to chair the organization and meetings that had begun at the former Scoreboard Restaurant. Perception is not always reality, and these businesses proved that all though they were down they were not out. Through image enhancement, collaborative marketing and a lot of hard work, the association now proudly boasts what has been termed, “The Magical Mile”. Receiving national recognition in the New York Times, the group fought through a dilemma that plagues many regions throughout the U.S. – older, worn out shopping malls being replaced by multi-level new ones.

Earth Day cleanups were performed and networking meetings hosted. Our efforts were noticed on a city-wide level with the participation of the former Waterbury Spirit Professional baseball team. Today, the original 50-foot flag pole that once stood on the Naugatuck Valley Mall site is flying old glory once again. And for several years it served as the foundation for the 1000- light Christmas tree the group dedicated as a symbol of the shopping district’s dedication to standing tall in the face of strong adversity.

The members of the Wolcott Street/Lakewood Road Business Association are hard working, self driven entrepreneurs who try to make a difference in the community and build a positive image for the area. By joining together we have created job growth, welcomed activity and entertainment options, and improved the quality of life for the residents of Greater Waterbury. The area is now bustling with major retail players, big box type stores, grocery chains and new and exciting dining opportunities. From Manor Avenue to the Wolcott border and to the top of Lakewood Road, millions of private dollars have been invested in the community and a strong retail and service business base is proudly demonstrated in the many shopping choices offered by the “Magical Mile”.