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Waterbury Green

The rectangular Waterbury Green, located within the Downtown Waterbury National Register Historic District, is the focal point of the town center. It is bordered by North Main Street, East Main Street, West Main Street and Church Street. With the exception of West Main Street, each is a four lane street and all are heavily traveled. The green provides welcomed open space in the dense urban core.

The green has a network of curvilinear paths that move from east to west along its length. They were landscaped with the monuments in mind which are placed equidistant apart along the center of the green. At the north end is the Welton Fountain, a handsome bronze fountain for horses. To the south about one-quarter of the way down the green is the Waterbury clock, designed in 1915 by Paul Lux. Approximately in the center is a large flagpole. South of the flagpole is the Veterans Monument, a tall contemporary granite memorial. The Soldiers Monument is at the south end of the green on a traffic island. A bronze "Winged Victory" stands atop a granite base. The overall composition stands 48 feet tall and dominates the busy intersection.

Trees are planted primarily around the exterior including elm, oak, ornamental cherry and a honey locust. The current policy is to replace trees with elms in recognition of the species first planted on the green. In each of the four corners and at the mid-point of the green along West and East Main Streets are small flower and shrub beds. The green is well lighted with metal lighting standards. Near the northern end are three bus stop shelters.

The green is surrounded by religious, institutional and commercial buildings from the 19th and 20th centuries. Although there is a considerable range in style and height, most are masonry structures that are evenly set back from the street and as such, provide a definite frame for the grassy open space. Three churches face the green. The Congregational Church and the Immaculate Conception Church (1928) are both on West Main Street. More dramatically sited is St. John's Church (1873). The tower of the Gothic Revival granite structure is a landmark at the southern end. (For more information about the buildings around the green, see the National Register Nomination.)

The green is actively used in the summertime as a park. The bus stop shelters increase its use.

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