The area of West Main Street, just west of the proposed Meriden Green will be the Downtown Arts District.

The area has already experienced a significant renovation. The streetscape in this area has been improved with widened sidewalks, brick pavers, new streetlights and improved landscaping, making it one of the most pleasant pedestrian environments in Meriden or any comparable city. In the immediate vicinity are the YMCA, Community Theater, the Dequaine Museum, the Court House and the Meriden Police Department.

Originally conceived and proposed under a separate study, (The Action Program for the Arts in Downtown Meriden, prepared by Centerbrook Architects and Planners, LLC, April 2000) the Downtown Arts District is recognized by this Master Plan as a key part of the Meriden City Center Initiative. The original proposal included a new regional 500 seat music hall, with assembly spaces and educational, rehearsal and recital facilities. Also proposed was a community Playhouse, which will be operated by the Meriden YMCA; this will include a 200 seat “black box” flexible stage theater, assembly areas and an arts and crafts center. These elements are reflected in the Master Plan.

It was also suggested as part of the original proposal to renovate the surrounding buildings as small retail with offices and housing above. This mixing of activities will start with the cultural resource of the theater, and will create a full small-urban environment by surrounding this resource with support activities, including places where people will take up residence. This is also reflected in the Master Plan.

As this area grows, increased parking will be required. The Master Plan proposes a parking structure within the center of the block on the south side of West Main Street that will accommodate this need.

The material on this page is reproduced from "Meriden City Center Initiative - A Comprehensive Plan for Revitalization" prepared by BL Companies, released 07/24/2002. All rights reserved.