Waterville Characteristics

Waterville was primarily an industrial center for much of its history.  Over the past few decades, its economic base has diversified, and the City now serves as the retail, service and cultural core for its surrounding region, while retaining its most resilient industries. Waterville benefits from its central location in the State, and as a transportation hub with Interstate 95, LaFleur Airport and Springfield Intermodal Rail Facility.  Healthcare facilities include MaineGeneral and Inland Hospitals.  Colby College, Thomas College and the nearby Kennebec Valley Technical College provide quality, post-secondary educational opportunities.  The Harold and Bibby Alfond Center, completed two years ago, and the recent complete upgrade of the City’s municipal pool reflect the City’s commitment to community recreational facilities.  These attributes place Waterville in a good competitive position to expand its service center role.

 

In spite of all the changes, and economic turmoil, downtown Waterville maintains a mix of comparison and convenience goods stores, a variety of small specialty and drug stores, quality restaurants, a cultural center, local government, healthcare providers, banks, insurance agencies and service businesses.   Professionals and employees, along with residents of the compact neighborhoods to the north, west and south, have convenient access to the downtown area.  Also important are the patrons of the performing arts center and students of the various trade schools and colleges.

 

Downtown Waterville is both unique and remarkable with its combination of an attractive historic main street, a small modern mall and landscaped parking area, and an expansive waterfront along the Kennebec River.  The layout of downtown is an asset, and it is human scale with comfortable three and four-story buildings, short, walkable blocks and stores close to each other.  It’s streets, parking facilities and open spaces are perfect for hosting outdoor events such as the Voices of the Kennebec Festival (June), Intown Arts Fest (July), The Taste of Greater Waterville (August), Octoberfest (October) and Kringleville (November-December).