Northwest Connecticut Housing and Innovation Center

The construction of 40 affordable housing units, with priority given to veterans, will not only offer vital support to those who have served our country with distinction but also address the pressing housing shortage affecting other community members across various Average Median Income levels, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable society.

To ensure that veterans who have served our nation continue receiving the vital healthcare services they need, the existing VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) will undergo a comprehensive renovation and expansion, transforming it into a state-of-the-art facility that better meets the evolving needs of our veterans.

At the heart of the project lies one of Connecticut's most prominent and well-equipped community makerspaces. This remarkable space will serve as a hub for education, vocational training, and workforce development in fields ranging from manufacturing to entertainment and the arts. By offering cutting-edge technologies such as 3D printing, laser machining, textile, wood and metal working tools, welding, and robotics, the makerspace will empower residents and community members to acquire valuable skills sought after by numerous industries, small businesses, and trade groups in the region.

Through a collaborative partnership with CT State Northwestern and the Entrepreneurial Center of Northwest Connecticut, NCHIC programming will ignite engagement and facilitate a dynamic exchange of ideas among local, state, and national startup communities and venture capitalists. This initiative's primary objective is to invigorate the "Rural Innovation Hub" model, serving as a catalyst to drive innovation, attract investments, and foster the creation of employment opportunities within the region.

Our 100-person event space, complete with fully equipped kitchen facilities and adjacent co-working and networking offices, and onsite parking will provide a versatile setting for a diverse range of events, drawing people from throughout the region. This dynamic space will facilitate educational initiatives, workforce development programs, social gatherings, fundraising events, and business conferences. Moreover, it will stimulate the local hospitality industry by contracting catering and other services, thus supporting the growth of the region's economy.

Two accessible rooftop gardens, one for residents and one for the community, will accentuate the facility. These gardens will showcase the property's stunning views and the surrounding Winsted hills. The uppermost level will house a Chapel, fostering spiritual well-being. Additionally, residents will have access to a fully equipped gymnasium, promoting recreation, enhanced health, and fitness.