With the REVITALIZE GEORGETOWN Study, Redding has the incredible opportunity to re-imagine the history-rich Gilbert and Bennett Wire Mill and its surrounding Village into a vibrant mixed-use center for the local community and the region.
BACKGROUND: Georgetown Village is the character-rich commercial center of Redding which hosts an array of cafes and restaurants, small businesses, artists, musicians, performance spaces, and residences. Originally developed as a factory town, the historic village has the potential to become a vibrant mixed-use commercial center while it expands diversifies housing choice in the town. Nestled between rolling hills and along the Norwalk River, Georgetown Village has the unique opportunity to weave nature, history, and economic vibrancy together into a place-based solution.
Learn more about the history of the Gilbert & Bennett Wire Mill
METHODS: The project team (Pirie Associates, BJH Advisors, and Langan) approached the project with a specialized lens aimed at revealing the unique characteristics that make Georgetown special. Pirie Associates led a nuanced and detailed community and stakeholder engagement effort to create a revitalization plan informed by the community’s aspirations. The three-part engagement plan discovered synergies & nuances, right-fit a development approach with direct community input, and built trust, educated the public, and empowered them in the creation of place. Multiple engagement engagement sessions were tailored to draw residents of all backgrounds: PA and BJH attended Georgetown Day at the start of the project to generate excitement and awareness; young families were solicited at a public meeting in the Mark Twain Library, held in collaboration with the Boys & Girls Club; residents of Meadow Ridge had their own informational and feedback session; and two town-wide meetings built foundations for consensus and gathered feedback on concept options. Every effort has been made to ensure that the resulting plan embeds the community's aspirations, goals, and spirit into the heart of revitalization.
This project is ongoing. The team has conducted a variety of sessions to learn about the community’s preferences, needs, and aspirations. Feedback is being incorporated into final recommendations.