Home Care In Waterbury, CT

The owner of the Brass Mill Commons shopping center in Waterbury has taken that property off the market, 11 months after it had been put up for sale, according to city officials and real estate industry sources.

The property, which is owned by Great Neck, N.Y.-based Kohan Retail Investment Group, had been abruptly put up for sale in February 2023 with a suburban Philadelphia commercial realtor, Forged Real Estate. But Brass Mill Commons is no longer listed in Forged Real Estate's portfolio of properties for sale.

Instead, Kohan has retained a Middlebury commercial realtor, Brian Godin, to oversee leasing at Brass Mill Commons and the adjacent Brass Mill Center mall.

"They engaged me last week to oversee leasing at both properties," Godin said Friday. "To my knowledge, they have taken it off the market" he added, referring to the retail property.

Kohan's decision to put Brass Mill Commons on the market last year came as something of a surprise because the company had just purchased the strip mall in April 2022. Kohan paid $26 million for the property as part of larger $44.9 million purchase that included Brass Mill Center.

Kohan Investment's decision to sell Brass Mill Commons for $30 million nine months later was also surprising because the 206,000 square-foot retail center was fully leased at the time. Godin said the shopping center remains fully leased.

Brass Mill Commons includes eight retailers and four restaurants. It is also home to Connecticut's Education Resource Center, which moved into the former Timexpo Museum on the property in February 2023. Brass Mill Commons is anchored by Dick's Sporting Goods. Its other tenants include Barnes & Noble and Petco.

Mike Kohan, a principal in Kohan Retail Investment Group, did not respond to requests for comment on Friday regarding why Brass Mill Commons was taken off the market.

Brass Mill Commons and the mall both have frontage on Union Street and are easily accessible from Interstate 84. The two retail centers, which opened in 1997, are separated by Brass Mill Drive.

Brass Mill Center is 1.1 million square feet and is one the state’s largest shopping malls. It opened in September 1997 after the historic Scovill Brass Works was torn down and an environmental cleanup of the site was done.

Brass Mill Center is anchored by clothing retailers Burlington and JCPenney. But the mall had about three dozen vacant stores in its configuration at the end of 2023, and had lost its Sears anchor store as well as a Regal Cinemas movie theater.

The mall got a boost last month when a Connecticut businessman who owns a pair of Ashley Furniture stores in the state opened one of the chain's outlet locations in the former Macy's anchor store. Sami Abunasra and his brother purchased the 161,744 square foot former department store, which was separately owned from the remainder of the mall.

The furniture store only takes up about 30,000 square feet of the former anchor store. The Abunasra brothers are trying to fill the remainder of the space with other tenants.

Living in Waterbury, Connecticut, provides a blend of historic charm, community spirit, and modern amenities within a picturesque setting nestled amid rolling hills and valleys. Residents experience a mix of cultural influences, from its rich history showcased in its architectural gems to a growing array of recreational opportunities. So whether you’re searching for apartments in Waterbury, homes for sale, or want to learn more about what Waterbury is known for, this Redfin article will be your guide.

1. Brass industry

Waterbury is renowned for its rich history in the brass industry. Moreover, the city was once known as the “Brass Capital of the World” due to its significant production of brass and copper goods. The industry played a vital role in the city’s economy and development, making Waterbury a prominent center for brass manufacturing.

The Mattatuck Museum is a prominent cultural institution in Waterbury, known for its diverse collection of art and historical artifacts. Not only does the museum showcase various exhibits, but it also houses works by renowned American artists and artifacts highlighting the city’s history. Hence, it serves as a hub for cultural enrichment and education in the region.

3. Historic architecture

Waterbury is celebrated for its stunning historic architecture, featuring an array of well-preserved buildings and landmarks. Additionally, the city’s architectural heritage includes elegant Victorian homes, grand churches, and impressive public buildings, reflecting its rich history and cultural significance.

4. Holy Land USA

Once a cherished attraction, the iconic Holy Land USA in Waterbury held its place as a religious theme park featuring replicas of biblical landmarks. Despite its closure to the public, Holy Land USA remains an integral part of Waterbury’s cultural legacy.

5. Palace Theater

The Palace Theater is a beloved cultural venue in Waterbury, renowned for its stunning architecture and vibrant performing arts scene. Besides hosting a variety of live performances, including Broadway shows, concerts, and community events, the theater provides entertainment for residents and visitors alike.

6. Scenic parks

Waterbury has a collection of picturesque parks and green spaces, offering residents and visitors a tranquil retreat from urban life. Furthermore, the city’s parks feature lush landscapes, walking trails, and recreational facilities, providing opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation amidst natural beauty.

7. Waterbury Symphony Orchestra

The Waterbury Symphony Orchestra is a cultural gem in the city, known for its exceptional musical performances and contributions to the local arts scene. Moreover, the orchestra showcases a diverse range of classical and contemporary music, captivating audiences with its world-class talent.

If you are represented by an agent, this is not a solicitation of your business. This article is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional advice from a medical provider, licensed attorney, financial advisor, or tax professional. Consumers should independently verify any agency or service mentioned will meet their needs. Learn more about our Editorial Guidelines here.

Waterbury-based municipal services company Quality Data Service Inc. considered locations in various towns during its year-long search for more space.

But it was never much of a competition.

The fast-growing company launched in Waterbury 42 years ago and leadership was focused on staying in the Brass City.

In a deal signed Monday, Quality Data paid $1.1 million for an office building in Waterbury’s East End, literally just down the road from its current location.

“We did our due diligence looking around Connecticut, but when it came down to it, Waterbury was where our family came when they moved from Italy, Waterbury’s been great to us for 50 years, Waterbury’s our home,” said Quality Data Project Manager Michael Crudele, nephew to company founder Vincent Crudele. “We had better offers in other places but we didn’t want to leave Waterbury.”

Quality Data Services currently operates out of an 18,058-square-foot industrial flex building at 121 Mattatuck Heights Road. It provides software, data management and billing services for more than 300 municipal bodies in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Missouri and Connecticut, including 163 of Connecticut’s 169 cities and towns.

This week, Quality Data acquired a 1985-vintage, 12,904-square-foot office building on 1.4 acres at 32 Mattatuck Heights Road. The company plans to move a portion of staff into the new location either in early spring or fall, avoiding the busy tax season around June and July.

The 80-employee company has doubled its employment levels over the past five years and is constantly looking to add staff, Michael Crudele said.

“We’re quickly expanding,” Michael Crudele said. “Our workforce is growing almost every day. We are meeting new clients left and right.”

Crudele credits the company’s growth to a stellar reputation for service, including around-the-clock availability.

Quality Data's leadership plans to move software developers and other data services staff into the new building either in spring or fall. That will free up space for an expansion of printing and mailing services at 121 Mattatuck Heights Road.

“We plan on turning the building into something special that clients will love to see and employees will be proud to work in,” Michael Crudele said of the new building.

Built by an immigrant

Vincent Crudele was 14 when he immigrated to Waterbury with a sister, going to live with their grandfather in a search for opportunity.

The family operated a well-known pizza shop, Domenic’s, on Wolcott Street. After graduating from Waterbury State Technical College with a data processing degree, Vincent went to work in Derby for W.E. Bassett, a manufacturer of personal grooming tools like tweezers and nail clippers.

Three years later, Crudele took a job with ACI, a small Waterbury company that provided contracted administrative services for other companies. Crudele managed billing services for municipal customers of Colonial Bank of Waterbury. At the time the records were kept on paper.

At age 27, Crudele in 1981 launched Quality Data Service in a leased downtown Waterbury office. He started with a staff of three and a massive computer that cost $200,000. He recalls it was about 15 feet long, 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide.

Later, Crudele moved the company to a roughly 8,000-square-foot office building he purchased in Waterbury’s Town Plot Neighborhood, once a predominantly Italian enclave. The next move took the company to 121 Mattatuck Heights Road.

"I'm proud of what I've accomplished, for someone who didn't speak a word of English when I got here," Crudele said.

After four decades in Waterbury, Crudele said he never seriously contemplated a property beyond the Brass City.

“It was never part of the cards,” Vincent said. “It was never an option as far as I was concerned.”

The property at 32 Mattatuck Heights was sold by New Waterbury LLC, whose principal, Fred M. Valenti, is president of Watertown-based auto dealer Valenti Motors Inc.

Attempts to reach Valenti Wednesday were unsuccessful.

Quality Data Chief Operating Officer David Crudele – Vincent’s son – said the building has been vacant for nearly 20 years. It had last served as administrative offices for The Waterbury Companies – a chemicals business.

David said the search for more space started at 32 Mattatuck Heights Road. He and his father drove past a “for sale” sign every day. But their first offer was not sufficient.

A year later, Crudele said, his company was willing to offer more, and the buyer was willing to compromise.

Waterbury Economic Development Director Joseph McGrath worked with Quality Services on a tentative expansion of their existing building after the first negotiation for 32 Mattatuck Heights Road failed. That idea was dropped due to insufficient space, he said.

It prompted some concern Quality Data might move, McGrath said.

“It’s a win-win for Waterbury,” McGrath said of this week’s purchase. “We are keeping a very loyal business in the City of Waterbury and there’s a very good chance they will be expanding and hiring more people.”

The state of Connecticut has asked a Superior Court judge to close a Waterbury nursing home that is costing the state nearly $1 million a month to operate.

The state took receivership of Waterbury Gardens in 2019 and has operated it since then. But in her most recent report, New Haven attorney Katharine Sacks, the appointed receiver who is overseeing the operation of the home, cited severe staff shortages, continued cash flow issues and problems with the building that make it infeasible to keep the facility open.

At a hearing in front of Judge Claudia Baio in Hartford on Thursday morning, Sacks said the facility is “no longer financially viable” and that it is not a good candidate for sale because it would require nearly $3 million in improvements and a large mold remediation project.

Sacks said as of this week there are only 28 residents left in Waterbury Gardens, which has 50 beds. She said seven residents are on ventilators and at least three others are tracheostomy patients.

Waterbury Gardens is one of only two nursing homes in the state with ventilators.

Many of the residents watched the courtroom hearing on a remote feed from a lounge at Waterbury Gardens. The group wasn’t allowed to address the court because about 20 of them had submitted affidavits asking that the judge keep the facility open.

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One of those who asked the judge not to close Waterbury Gardens is Hazel Saunders, who came to Waterbury Gardens from a Bronx, N.Y., hospital earlier this year. She is one of the residents on a ventilator.

In an interview with the CT Mirror, Saunders said she lived in several nursing homes before Waterbury Gardens and had bad experiences. Waterbury Gardens is the first place she’s felt at home, she said.

“One I left almost running,” Saunders, 77, said of a previous facility. “I have gone from place to place, and it has been hell, all the things I went through. … Then we found this place, and oh my God. It’s everything I wanted. I love the care. I love the people. I love the staff. Everything about this place is what I needed.”

One day about a month ago, she said, state officials showed up and told people the facility would close. Stunned, her fellow residents began moving out of the building.

“The people who left wanted to remain here, but they were scared,” Saunders said. “[The state] scared the bejesus out of everybody. Everybody’s faces dropped. We didn’t know that was going to happen.”

Despite the challenges, she hopes Waterbury Garden will stay open.

“It’s just heartbreaking,” she said. “How can you disenfranchise people who are already disenfranchised? We don’t want to be in anybody’s nursing home. We want to be home. But there’s an absolute need. And in the state of Connecticut, there are only two places like this. Why the hell would they want to close one?”

Sacks told the judge that the state Department of Social Services notified her in June that the facility was well below occupancy threshold that the state requires and that, “consistent with the state’s strategic rebalancing plan,” the home should be closed. She was told that there are nearly 1,600 available nursing home beds within 15 miles of Waterbury.

As for the ventilator and tracheostomy residents, Sacks said, she has found beds for them at either the Hospital for Special Care in New Britain or the Gaylord Rehabilitation Center in Wallingford. A few of the residents that require a ventilator have already been moved to the Village Green of Bristol, the only other long-term care facility with a ventilator unit in the state.

Long Term Care Ombudsman Mairead Painter told the judge her office has heard from “two very different groups of people within Waterbury Gardens.”

“Many residents have lived there for years, and it is their home, and the staff is their family, and they feel like their concerns about closing it have fallen on deaf ears,” Painter said. “Many others have already transitioned to another facility or home because they felt the quality of care and the condition of the facility had gone down.”

In an unusual move, SEIU 1999NE, which represents many of the employees at Waterbury Gardens, filed a motion to intervene on their behalf to keep it open.

“These people have been through hell and high water the past five years, from receivership to COVID to now their home being closed,” said Suzanne Clark, the secretary-treasurer of 1199.

Clark said that, since it is only one of two facilities in the state with a ventilator unit, closing it would be “short-sighted” and that “given the impact this facility has on its residents, it can’t be cookie-cuttered like another nursing home.”

Union officials believe that the facility should be sold, not closed, and recently presented three nursing home providers who would be interested in purchasing the business. But lawyers for the attorney general’s office said that DSS Commissioner Andrea Barton Reeves met with prospective buyers, but there was no indication a sale could happen.

Milford attorney Kevin A. Creane, who is representing the union, said the meeting with the commissioner was informational but not a full-scale sales presentation.

“Obviously today we are concerned about the residents that are in the facility, but what is going to happen in the future for people who need ventilators if you take away 15 beds forever?” Creane said.

In her report, Sacks said a DPH inspector recently visited the facility to do a 15-month recertification and indicated there were numerous problems with the physical plant, as well as care, that would need to be addressed if the facility stays open. DPH has not issued a final inspection report yet.

Sacks said most of the issues around care involve staff shortages.

“Staffing shortages are attributable to general shortages in the marketplace, wariness about the future of the facility and the fact that prior management failed to plan vacation schedules for the Nursing Department around facility operational requirements to best meet resident needs,” Sacks wrote.

“The facility continues to experience massive numbers of last minute call-outs and no-shows from clinical employees, a harrowing daily experience requiring urgent last-minute calls to staffing agencies,” Sacks said. “This puts the quality of care at direct risk.”

She also said that DPH officials estimate it would cost $3 million to upgrade the physical plant, not counting the expense of dealing with the mold in several of the bathroom areas at Waterbury Gardens.

The attorney general’s office agrees with Sacks’ assessment that the facility is no longer “financially viable” and must be closed.

“The evidence is overwhelming that it is no longer financially viable,” Assistant Attorney General Daniel B. Shapiro said. “The state is spending over a million dollars a month to keep it open, and that doesn’t include the major physical plant issues that will require millions more.”

The state asked Baio to issue a ruling from the bench Thursday to expedite the process. Sacks said if the motion to close is granted, it will take the state months to relocate everyone and formally shutter the facility.

But Baio said the issue “was too important” to rule quickly and that she wants to review the residents’ statements and all the reports before deciding the nursing home’s fate.

Baio did not schedule any other hearings or indicate when she might issue a ruling.

An Ashley Outlet will open later this month in a portion of the former Macy's store in Waterbury, according to one of the developers of the project.

The new furniture store at 575 Union St. will have a soft opening on Dec. 15 in about 30,000 square feet of the former Macy's space, said Sami Abunasra, one of two brothers who formed a limited liability company and purchased the 161,744 square foot department store earlier this year for $3.3 million from the department store chain. Macy's closed the Waterbury store in the spring of 2021, along with its location in Waterford's Crystal Mall, but retained ownership of the vacant retail space of that sits at the eastern edge of the sprawling Brass Mill Center complex.

Abunasra and his brother Nazeeh, formed their West Hartford-based limited liability company, Nasra Waterbury, in April.

The former Macy's space was spread across two levels at Brass Mill Center, but Sami Abunasra said the furniture outlet will all be on one level. He said he and his brothers are working with Waterbury officials to subdivide the remaining space among several potential tenants.

"City officials have been really helpful," Sami Abunasra said.

The new Ashley location will benefit from the mall's visibility from Interstate 84, he said, as well as Union Street as well as surface roads like Hamilton Avenue and the Silver Street Expressway, where there is a direct entrance to the store.

"This is a location with a lot of potential" Sami Abunasra said. "In business, sometimes you have to take some risks. But it's pretty hard to go wrong with a property that has this much visibility."

The Macy's location is one of several significant vacancies at the mall, which is owned and operated by Kohan Retail Investment Group. Officials with Kohan did not respond to requests for comment from Hearst Connecticut Media about the opening of the new store and what it might mean to the mall as a whole.

Sami Abunasra said because the Macy's space has been vacant for more than two years, he and his brother are looking to raise the profile of their new Ashley store.

"We have to get people used to the idea that there is a store operating in this space again," Sami Abunasra said.

Burt Flickinger, managing director of the New york City-based retail consulting firm Strategic Resource Group, said the new furniture store "won't save the mall by itself." But if Brass Mill Center is to experience a retail rebirth, it will benefit from having the furniture store there, he said.

"It's an interesting time for a chain to expand, because the Commerce Department is reporting the year-over-year sales are down in the furniture sector," Flickinger said. "But Ashley continues to do well, in part because of the difficulties that some of its regional and national competitors are having."

Sami Abunasra said Connecticut's market for new furniture has slowed in the past year due to a combination of factors. Inflation has resulted in fewer buyers of new furniture and a slowing of home sales has also had an impact, he said.

In addition to the two stores owned by the Abunasras, Ashley has seven other locations in Connecticut and over 1,000 nationwide. The retailer's only other outlet store in Connecticut is Milford, according the Ashley corporate website.

Brass Mill Center, with 1.1 million square feet of retail space, is one the state’s largest malls. It opened in September 1997 after the historic Scovill Brass Works was torn down and an environmental cleanup was done.

But the mall has fallen on hard times in the last five years, with the closure of two of its anchor stores, Macy's and Sears, as well as the shutdown of the retail center's Regal Cinemas multiplex movie theater in September 2022.

Waterbury Mayor Paul Pernerewski, who took office last week, said he is encouraged with what the Abunasras are doing with the former Macy's space.

"Because of where it is located, it's like an extension of our downtown and we'd like to see it fully utilized," Pernerewski said. "Hopefully what is going into the former Macy's will generate some activity that will draw people to downtown."

Joe McGrath, director of economic development for the city, said the roughly 130,000 square feet of the former Macy's location that isn't ebing converted into the furniture store, will be subdivide among several tenants that haven't been determined yet.

In addition to the new furniture store at the mall, McGrath said a new tenant has been found to fill the former Regal Cinemas location. Apple Cinemas, which has four Connecticut theaters, including one on Wolcott Street in Waterbury, has committed to opening a theater in the mall, he said.