Waterbury to Close Chase Building for Renovations

The historic municipal building will undergo a two-year, $34 million modernization project beginning in November.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Home Renovation

Waterbury to Close Chase Building for Renovations

Live Poll

Is now a good time for your local government to fund major historic building renovations?

Waterbury will close the Chase Building at 236 Grand St. to the public on November 11, 2026, to begin a massive two-year renovation effort. Approximately 170 city employees will relocate to One Exchange Place to accommodate the construction project.

Why it matters

The $34 million project is designed to modernize aging infrastructure while preserving the historic character of the building, which was originally constructed between 1917 and 1919. The city purchased One Exchange Place in 2023 to serve as temporary office space during this transition.

The renovation project carries a total cost of $34 million and is scheduled to span two years. City officials previously secured a $7 million state grant to assist in the acquisition of the One Exchange Place facility.

The players

Waterbury Development Corp.

This entity is managing the renovation project of the city-owned Chase Building.

The details

The Waterbury Development Corp. is overseeing the project as staff migrate from the historic 236 Grand St. location. City officials have indicated plans to sell the temporary One Exchange Place location once the main building improvements are finished.

1917-1919: The Chase Building was originally constructed.
1966: The city purchased the Chase Building.
2023: The city acquired One Exchange Place.
Week of October 30, 2026: Departments begin moving to One Exchange Place.
November 11, 2026: The Chase Building closes to the public.

Culture Shift

This project reflects a broader trend of repurposing historic city structures to meet modern efficiency needs while maintaining the architectural heritage of urban centers. It aligns with the National Register of Historic Places preservation standards by prioritizing the structural longevity of civic landmarks.

Residents should plan to visit One Exchange Place for municipal services starting in November 2026 instead of the traditional Grand St. location. These changes will remain in effect for the duration of the two-year construction timeline.

The takeaway

Maintaining historic public infrastructure requires significant long-term planning and temporary logistical shifts for staff and residents. Property owners can look to this project as a model for how major municipal entities manage temporary space acquisition during multi-year capital improvements.