The Harold Webster Smith Foundation, NeighborWorks New Horizons, and Webster Bank were joined by state and city leaders today to break ground on a $3 million revitalization of homes on Gaffney Place in the historic Hillside neighborhood of Waterbury.
In its initial phase, the Gaffney Place project is a complete street revitalization - combining the rehabilitation of five homes consisting of ten living units with streetscape and other public improvements. The homes will be converted from rental properties into homeownership opportunities for local families. The homes will be rehabilitated completely in keeping with the existing Queen Anne period style with new plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems. All homes will be constructed to Energy Star standards for maximum energy-efficiency for the homeowners.
Construction work on the five homes is scheduled to begin August 5. Completion is expected by April, 2014 when the units will be ready for occupancy by homebuyers.
This project is funded by both public and private sources including: Harold Webster Smith Foundation; State of Connecticut Department of Housing; City of Waterbury; State of Connecticut Historic Preservation Office; Wells Fargo; American Savings Foundation; Connecticut Community Foundation; and the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation. Other partners in this effort include the Waterbury YMCA, the Mattatuck Museum, and the Historic Hillside Neighborhood Association.
