Transformation of former school continues

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Naugatuck Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Ronald Pugliese, center, talks with, from left, Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Centers partner and Director Joe Caliguiri, Deputy Mayor Laurie Taf-Jackson, Burgess Rocky Vitale and Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Centers President Alan Balavendor during a grand re-opening ceremony Dec. 14 at the center’s new location at the former Prospect Street School in Naugatuck. –LUKE MARSHALL

NAUGATUCK — The former Prospect Street School’s journey from an educational center to a commercial development continued last week.

Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Centers celebrated the grand opening of its new location at the former school, 100 Prospect St., on Dec. 14.

The company is the second business to open up in the building since the borough sold the former school to developer Mat Florian last year for $300,000. The Club Health & Fitness, which opened in July, was the first business to open at the former school.

The entire building is approximately 41,000 square feet. The gym takes up approximately 15,000 square feet, and the physical therapy offices take up about 3,000 square feet.

Naugatuck Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Ronald Pugliese said he expects two or three more businesses to open in the building.

Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Centers moved from its former location on New Haven Road to the Prospect Street site. Alan Balavendor, president of the business, said the company is adjusting well to the larger space.

From left, Naugatuck Chamber of Commerce Communications Director Julie Danado, Burgess Jack Deoliveira, Naugatuck Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Ronald Pugliese, Deputy Mayor Laurie Taf-Jackson, Mayor N. Warren ‘Pete’ Hess, Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Centers partner and Director Joe Caliguiri, Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Centers partner Pete Catuccio, Tom Hill Realty & Investment owner Tom Hill, Burgess Rocky Vitale and Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Centers President Alan Balavendor cut a ribbon during a grand re-opening ceremony Dec. 14 at the center’s new location at the former Prospect Street School in Naugatuck. –LUKE MARSHALL

“We are slowly growing into it. We wanted room to grow in the future,” Balavendor said. “This is a move that will help us better serve the people of Naugatuck and better reflect who we want to be.”

Although the gym and the physical therapy center moved from other locations in Naugatuck, it has been a boon to the grand list since they both moved into larger facilities, Pugliese said.

“Every time we open something it is positive for the town,” Pugliese said.

Pugliese said Florian has delivered on his promise of renovating and improving the former school.

“Every time I come into Prospect Street School, because I remember what it was like before, the renovations and the way they have done all the work is amazing,” Pugliese said. “The Prospect Street School was a very difficult project to begin with. When we found the correct developer, it has been great.”