The City of Meriden has a rich history. In the 1860’s, Abraham Lincoln spoke from the steps of the City Hall on East Main Street. As the “Silver City”, it was home of the International Silver Company, the world’s largest manufacturer of silverware, and many other thriving manufacturers. And in 1944 it was proud to be named “The Nation’s Ideal War Community” by the Roosevelt Administration, due to its manufacturing output, skilled labor reserves, and an attitude that embodied the qualities that were winning the war.

The years since 1944 have been challenging for Meriden, but the city has survived. It has survived the pervasive anti-urban sentiment of the post-war era, with its unchecked suburban sprawl and city-splitting interstate highways construction. It has survived the decline of the industrial economy in the 1960’s and 1970’s, and failed federal urban renewal programs of those times. And perhaps most devastating, it has survived the periodic flooding of its downtown by a rather innocently named Harbor Brook. It has taken many blows, but Meriden has survived. 

Now, at the beginning of the 21st century, Meriden finds itself at a critical point in determining its future, with an opportunity to add to its rich history. In many ways, the timing couldn’t be better. The current economy is steady. Unemployment remains low. Today, cities like Meriden are being rediscovered – as ideal places for living and leisure, as well as for working. And as in the past, the current attitude and drive of Meriden’s hard working citizens, the vision of its cohesive business community and the energy of the local economic development organizations still embody the qualities that the United States prides itself in. 

It is with this attitude, pride, vision and energy that the Meriden City Center Initiative was conceived. In recent years, the revitalization of Meriden has begun quietly, with the construction of streetscape improvements in key downtown locations, development of a new hospital campus, and construction of a new interdistrict magnet school. Yet it is recognized by all who live and work in Meriden that there still remains so much potential – so much more work that can be done. 

The City remains proud of its rich past, but today is looking forward to a bright future.

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.