Paving the Way: Alley's engraved bricks arrive
Oct. 28, 2022 | By Karen Nevin
Engraved bricks purchased through the alley fundraiser have arrived to be installed in 2023 when the groundwork is complete. Photo by Gordon Miller
The Stowe Street Alley project took a step forward recently with the arrival of 267 engraved bricks that will be installed in the spring.
The bricks were purchased through donations by Waterbury community members, local businesses and organizations supporting the Rally for the Alley fundraiser. The effort aims to refurbish and beautify the alley space on Stowe Street alongside Stowe Street Emporium.
Donors were invited to contribute a brick engraved with a saying or phrase celebrating people, family and even as affirmations of Waterbury itself.
The bricks will be incorporated and placed randomly into the new alley surface. The campaign raised over $20,000 for repaving the alley.
The Stowe Street Alley project began in 2020 when a group of community members and organizations came together with the vision of renovating the Stowe Street Alley into a lively pedestrian walkway and a welcoming public space for art, gardens and music. The alley is also known as Jack's Alley, honoring Jack Carter, the original owner of the Stowe Street Emporium store. Jack, who died in 2021, was enthusiastic about refurbishing the alley and his inspiration is a driving force behind the project today.
The alley makeover is scheduled in three phases. The laying of the engraved bricks coupled with additional surface pavers is scheduled for the spring of 2023. During this phase, a ground garden and additional structural screening will occur. In preparation for next spring's activities, Farr's Tree Service recently removed vegetation — primarily a large box elder tree — from the alley gratis, as a donation to the project. Additionally, a call to artists for designing a brick medallion in the center of the alley and an alley gateway will get underway this fall and winter.
As phase one launches, additional funding will be sought for seating, streetscape features, garden material, and art elements as well as components such as lighting and signage.
The arrival of the engraved bricks is a celebration of this vibrant community project and an affirmation of the love that Waterbury's residents and businesses have for their lively downtown. Local organizations lending support for this project include Revitalizing Waterbury, the Waterbury Rotary Club, MakerSphere, the Masons and Waterbury Arts.
Waterbury is well on its way to reclaiming this prominent alleyway, central to the historic downtown district—a place for gathering, for performances and art exhibits, and for pausing to mark what makes Waterbury so special.
Karen Nevin is executive director of Revitalizing Waterbury.
More information on the Stowe Street Alley project is online. To donate or get involved, call 802-793-6029 or email Karen@revitalizingwaterbury.org.