Mae Flexer

Flexer and Johnson Approve Settlement for Rehabilitation of Main Street Willimantic Historic District

State Senator Mae Flexer and State Representative Susan Johnson join Attorney General William Tong, Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, and community leaders to mark the settlement agreement to revitalize the Main Street Historic District in Willimantic.

HARTFORD, CT – On Wednesday, May 1, State Senator Mae Flexer (D-Danielson) and State Representative Susan Johnson (D-Windham) joined Attorney General William Tong, Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, and local community leaders to mark the settlement agreement reached between the state and two property developers to preserve the historic Nathan Hale Hotel and revitalize the Main Street Historic District in Willimantic.

An agreement was reached between RUC Holdings LLC, 819-833 Main Street LLC, and the State Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) State Historic Preservation Office to rehabilitate the Hale Hotel at 833 Main Street and demolish the Hooker Hotel at 819 Main Street. The structure of the Hale Hotel will be integrated into new developments and the Hooker Hotel will be demolished due to its deteriorated structure.

Further developments will include: the demolition of the garage located behind the Hale Hotel, the construction of new buildings at the vacant or soon-to-be vacant land at 767, 769, and 779 Main Street, and 14 and 18 Bank Street, 804 Main Street, and 819 and rear of 833 Main Street.

“I am thrilled that an agreement has been reached to move our Main Street District forward,” said Senator Mae Flexer. “This development is critical to the revitalization of our downtown. So many business owners and community leaders have worked hard to get us here today. I want to thank Attorney General Tong for his hard work finding consensus on this vital project and his commitment to our town.”

“I am grateful for the agreement Attorney General Tong’s office reached with the developer and the State Historic Preservation Office to serve the needs of our municipality and residents. This project will drive significant economic growth and will preserve Windham’s rich and complex history,” said State Representative Susan Johnson. “We must continue to invest in opportunities to broaden our community’s prospects.”

Built in 1926 at the height of Willimantic’s prospering mill business and railroad junction, the Nathan Hale Hotel was considered one of the finest hotels in eastern Connecticut. Construction began due to a community fundraising effort to meet the growing demand for a hotel and cultural facilities in the area.