Brass Mill Center is losing more tenants as chain shed their underperforming stores after the holiday season. At lease three tenants have closed or are getting ready to close their doors.

-Zumiez has closed their store at the mall. The skate board and street wear closed earlier this week after many years in the mall. The closest Zumiez is now at The Shoppes at Buckland Hills in Manchester.

-Cinnabon has closed their location at the mall’s food court. The cinnamon roll eatery opened in 2018. The closest Cinnabon is now at Westfarms in Farmington. The shop sold coffee, cinnamon buns, ice cream, and other dessert items. 

-Torrid plans to close their location at Brass Mill Center according to staff at the store. Torrid is a women's clothing store owned by the parent company of Hot Topic & BoxLunch.  An exact closing date is not known. The closest Torrid would be in Meriden at the Meriden Mall. 

Brass Mill Center has been struggling in recent years with store closures and relocations. The mall is poised to lose one of their anchors, Burlington, when the relocate to Brass Mill Commons this spring. A glimpse of good news, a new trampoline park is planned for part of the former Macy’s store, next to Ashley Outlet.

Altitude Trampoline Park is coming soon to Brass Mill Center in Waterbury!

The new trampoline park will be located in a portion of the former Macy's store, next to the Ashley Furniture store on the building's first floor. A small space remains available on the first floor of the Macy's store, along with the empty second floor.

This will be Altitude's first Connecticut location; they operated a number of locations in Massachusetts and New York. The chain operates over 90 locations worldwide.
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No timeline has been announced for the trampoline park's opening.

Make sure you follow our new page, The Waterbury Scoop, for more Waterbury news!

We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of M.I.A. Cafe & Lounge, the newest culinary gem in Waterbury! Conveniently located at 326 Meriden Rd, Waterbury, CT, this vibrant establishment offers a unique dining experience that beautifully combines the innovation of American cuisine with the authentic and rich flavors of Albania.

M.I.A. Cafe & Lounge is not just a restaurant; it’s a bold new concept that invites you to explore a menu crafted with care, showcasing Mediterranean-inspired dishes that are both elevated and approachable. Whether you’re in the mood for a light snack, a hearty meal, or a refreshing cocktail, you'll find a delightful array of options designed to please every palate.

The phrase "Made in America, Made in Albania" perfectly encapsulates their vision, reflecting their commitment to quality and creativity. Their talented chefs have curated a selection of dishes that highlight the best ingredients, traditions, and culinary techniques from both cultures. And with expertly crafted cocktails to complement your meal, every visit promises to be a memorable experience.

Step into an ambiance that strikes the perfect balance between sophistication and warmth, making M.I.A. Cafe & Lounge the ideal spot for casual gatherings, celebratory dinners, or a cozy night out.
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They invite you to discover what makes M.I.A. Cafe & Lounge is so special. For more information about their menu, events, and special offers, please visit their website at https://www.miacafelounge.com/.... They look forward to welcoming you soon!

Hearst Connecticut Media Group is currently in negotiations to acquire the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper, a significant deal anticipated to be finalized in early 2025, possibly as soon as January.

As of now, Hearst operates a robust portfolio of nine daily newspapers in Connecticut, which includes prominent publications such as the New Haven Register, Connecticut Post (based in Bridgeport), The Stamford Advocate, Record-Journal (Meriden), Journal Inquirer (Manchester), News-Times (Danbury), Greenwich Time, Middletown Press, and The Hour (Norwalk). Beyond these, Hearst is involved in publishing Connecticut Magazine, maintaining 16 websites, and running more than a dozen weekly news publications. The forthcoming acquisition of the Republican-American would also encompass the weekly newspaper Citizens News, thereby enhancing Hearst's presence in the state's media landscape.

The Republican-American itself has been an integral part of Waterbury’s community since its inception. Established in 1881 by John Henry Morrow as a weekly publication, it transitioned to a daily format by 1884. The paper changed ownership in 1901 when it was acquired by William Jamieson Pape and William M. Lathrop. Pape later became the sole owner in 1910, and in 1922, he purchased the Waterbury American, merging the two into what is now the Republican-American in 1990. Remarkably, ownership has remained within the Pape family for over a century.

The newspaper operates out of a historical building completed in 1909, originally constructed in the Renaissance Revival style for the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad Company. The design of the tower was inspired by the 14th-century Torre del Mangia in Siena, Italy. After a decline in railroad ridership post-World War II, the building faced the threat of demolition; however, it was saved when the Pape family acquired it in 1952 and adapted it to serve their growing newspaper organization. Today, the Republican-American building is strategically located alongside a commuter rail line connecting Waterbury and Bridgeport, adjacent to a passenger train platform, essential for local connectivity.

In December, reports emerged that the family-run enterprise managing the Meadow Street property and the newspaper is proposing a significant redevelopment of the iconic building into a mixed-use space featuring 38 luxury apartments, office facilities, and retail outlets, which may include a high-end restaurant. Despite this transformation, the daily newspaper would continue to operate within 10,000 square feet of the building, ensuring its longstanding presence in the area.

City officials, including Waterbury's Economic Development Director Joseph McGrath, have expressed strong support for this redevelopment proposal by American Republican Inc., led by newspaper publisher William B. Pape. McGrath highlighted the project as a critical addition to the ongoing efforts to revitalize the downtown area and improve access to development along Freight Street, which has been the focus of years-long redevelopment initiatives aimed at addressing underutilized and polluted industrial areas.

Moreover, McGrath noted, "We’re thrilled with the proposal that came through. It’s going to be a total asset to the mission of reviving downtown and making Freight Street accessible to development.” The current redevelopment plan suggests that the Pape family will retain ownership of the redeveloped property, ensuring continued family involvement in the area's media and community landscape.
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To facilitate this ambitious project, American Republican Inc. has partnered with Parker Benjamin Real Estate Services LLC, a Farmington-based firm recognized for their expertise in renovating historical properties, promising to bring a thoughtful and respectful approach to enhancing the building's legacy while meeting modern needs.

We are thrilled to announce that Tony's Tires + Wheels has officially relocated! As of November 1st, 2024, you can find them at their new address: 1684 Thomaston Ave, right at the former Montambaults location. They look forward to welcoming you to their new home!

At Tony's Tires + Wheels, they take pride in offering a comprehensive range of automotive services to keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely. Their skilled team is dedicated to providing top-notch service in the following areas:

- **Custom Wheel Service**: Personalize your ride with our bespoke wheel solutions.
- **Tire Balancing**: Ensure a smooth drive with our precision tire balancing services.
- **Tire Installation**: Quick and efficient tire installation to get you back on the road.
- **Tire Repair**: Trust us for reliable tire repair to extend the life of your tires.
- **Tire Rotation**: Regular tire rotation to promote even wear and enhance performance.
- **TPMS Service**: Expert service for your Tire Pressure Monitoring System to maintain optimal tire health.
- **Wheel Alignments**: Keep your vehicle handling properly with our precise wheel alignment services.
- **Wheel Balancing**: Achieve a smooth ride with our professional wheel balancing.

For more details about their services, operating hours, and to stay updated on the latest news and offerings, please visit their website at https://www.tonystirespluswheels.com/. They can’t wait to serve you at their new location!