Welcome to The Storrs Before, covering the architectural history of Storrs, Connecticut! This week, our history mystery is Downtown Storrs. What was it like before? How did it develop?
Downtown: Before
You might be surprised to learn that all of the apartments and buildings surrounding Betsy Paterson Square are only a decade old at most. Yes, that’s right. Before 2011, Royce Circle had an entirely different landscape. Picture this: you’re walking out of Insomnia with a warm cookie. Thirteen years ago, there was no Insomnia, because the entire building didn’t exist yet. You’d be walking on a sidewalk next to a chain fence by an intersection. Now imagine your positioning yourself across from CVS. If you wanted to walk across the area, you’d be in the middle of a parking lot with cars going in and out.
This was not only unsafe but also not pedestrian-friendly. The buildings in the area were in a state of disrepair and lacked recreational facilities such as restaurants or apartments. The former location essentially resembled the side of a highway. Change needed to happen. The University of Connecticut wanted a walkable college town, and Mansfield wanted a place that would attract more business. Plans were made, deals were signed and redevelopment began.
Downtown: Construction
In 2011, demolition started. Eight mixed-use buildings would replace the barren area, operating as both residential units and commercial spaces. The buildings would be built with sustainable materials and be carefully designed to emulate a tight-knit neighborhood area. The specific architectural style is meant to connect both the past and present by looking aesthetically pleasing, but not dated. Efforts were made to diversify the buildings by using different window sizes and varying building heights. Inspiration was taken from other college towns such as Cambridge, Massachusetts and Princeton, New Jersey.
Building orientation was taken into account as well, as a way of directing foot traffic. Prioritizing pedestrian travel rather than cars allows for a less chaotic environment and instead sets up a place for a community. In order to limit vehicular traffic, a parking garage was conveniently placed behind the main buildings. Long, broad sidewalks were created with attention to lighting and tree placement to ensure the area felt welcoming and pedestrian-friendly, as opposed to the rushed, cracked and slanted sidewalks that came before.
In the center, a town square (now known as Betsy Paterson Square), was to be built with versatile engagement. Betsy Square would be eco-friendly and dog-friendly, and support pop-up events, such as outdoor concerts and tag sales. Moveable chairs and tables would be displayed seasonally, to assure that students and families could enjoy lunch outside on hot days.
Downtown: Grand Openings
In 2012, three structures were already completed. The previous businesses that took up the land were either relocated or shut down, but most got a chance to stay. Subway and an automobile shop, for example, were moved into the new buildings and presumed business as normal. Independent businesses as well as chain restaurants were given a chance to shine in the new student-town.
Moe’s Southwest Bar and Grill, Dog Lane Cafe and Insomnia were some of the first businesses to open. Additionally, a grocery store tenant was in the midst of signing off on a new 31,000-square-foot building (which would eventually become Price Chopper). Most of the businesses that initially opened have been operating since, with a few exceptions. A candy store, a frozen yogurt shop and a well-missed 7-Eleven have shut their doors in recent years. Nonetheless, the changes are welcomed, as students look forward to new attractions and eateries.
Downtown: After
As of 2024, downtown Storrs is a thriving community space for students. As time passed, business owners and families have made Storrs their own, stringing fairy lights along the alleyways and hosting concerts in the central square. You’ll often notice students walking down the street with boba tea in one hand and a pizza in the other. This new city continues to grow and collaborate with its members, and I can’t wait to welcome future businesses to it.