Colonial Plaza Waterbury Conn.

[cdavid991]

The other day, I had to go to Waterbury (Connecticut) to turn in some paperwork at a company that I applied to. On the way home I stopped at the Colonial Plaza because the place has always sparked my interest when driving by on Rte. 8.


0220131211-01 by cdavid991, on Flickr

The sign entering from the rear.


0220131207-00 by cdavid991, on Flickr

Entering from the front..


0220131211-00 by cdavid991, on Flickr

One of the outparcels..don't recommend eating here.


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Another outparcel...Mickey D's still sports the old look.


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Across the road from the plaza...hmmm, I wonder, might this have been an International House of Pancakes, perhaps? (sarcasm)


0220131207-01 by cdavid991, on Flickr

One of the first buildings you see when entering the plaza from the front. Don't know what this place was, but now it is the Department of Mental Health services or something.


0220131209-01 by cdavid991, on Flickr

The Mental Health services building seen from the rear. Cool "swoop" styling!


0220131209-00 by cdavid991, on Flickr

Winners Bar. Don't know what this was prior.


0220131208-00 by cdavid991, on Flickr

On the other side of the Winners Bar. Maybe this was the symbol of the Great Colonial Plaza!


0220131210-00 by cdavid991, on Flickr

San Marinos...the only nice place to eat here.


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Part one of the main plaza


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0220131203-01 by cdavid991, on Flickr

Dollar Star...really disgusting dollar and up type store. I was the only white person in there...don't know what this place was. There was a GrandWay in this Plaza once, so this could have been it.


0220131204-00 by cdavid991, on Flickr

Compare Foods...this place was a real trip. Again, I found myself to be the only fair skinned individual in the store. Everything was in Spanish including the music. All of the food was that (often times poor smelling) goya brand. Don't know what this was.


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Inside Compare foods. Old check out lanes and freezers.


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Old TOYS R US cart hijacked by Compare Foods


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Inside the Thrift Store.


0220131203-00 by cdavid991, on Flickr

Opposing end of the main plaza


I don't know much about this plaza, other than it used to be a popular hangout during the 70s and early 80s. Up until I was 14, my parents would take me to the IHOP on my birthday every year. If anyone could contribute any info on this plaza, feel free! Good day to everyone!!

[ynkeesfn82]

Is the abandoned old movie theater still there?

[JimSawhill]

I see that on the sign of Colonial Plaza it says 'Chech Cashed', so I guess the ALIENS who don't have bank accounts  need a place like that. There is about 7 of those places near me for the Aliens from Mexico to cash their checks.

[cdavid991]

No abandoned movie theater there. I didn't even know there was a theater there, actually.

[cdavid991]

This just in!

-The Dollar Store was originally S.S. Kresge (that's where the "K" in KMart comes from).

-San Marino Restaurant (awesome Italian food) was originally a disco in the 70's, then became Holiday Seasons, and now San Marino.

-Grand Union Supermarket was where the Compare Supermarket now is. It was first Grand Union, then later RollerMagic (skating) in the late 70's. Then Pathmark.

-Grand Way Department Store (owned by Grand Union) was next to (on the right) of Grand Union. They were connected inside...kind of like today's supercenters with groceries (Grand Union) and dry goods (Grand Way). Grand Way later became an indoor flea market, then Colonial Bowling Lanes, then Railroad Salvage.

-Plaza 1-2-3 (and later 4) was in the left corner of the plaza (it was part of the General Cinema chain).

-The building you mentioned as Dept. of Mental Health was originally the Colonial Bank building.

-Winners was originally OTB Off Track Betting. I believe they still offer wagering on horse racing.

-Other stores in the plaza included CVS, Radio Shack, and many others.

Hope this helps. Feel free to post this info on Ames Fan Club.


This information was sent to me by Walter Mann of HoJoLand.com. Thanks for the help, Walt!