What’s up on Washington St.?

By Shakir Leacock

Tucked between the brick-laden buildings of New Britain is a retro diner named Miss Washington diner. Originally opened in 1928, the diner boasts a chrome exterior which extends down to the red and yellow foundation. The life in the colors extends to the inside of the building, a look through the giant plexiglass windows tells the story of all it once held.

When you imagine a diner you are transported to a place where the air may be thick with the smell of crisp coffee grounds and popping bacon. A row of comfy leather seats line the counters and a waitress who knows customers’ names. This is the kind of atmosphere 52-year New Britain resident Joe D. described. “I would always come here for a hot meal, I even came here after my prom after party.” A Facebook post by Christopher S. served as a Platform for community members to share their fond memories of the diner. It’s clear from repeated commenters, the diner served everyone in the neighborhood from local entertainers, high schoolers and the older generations. Miss Washington’s was a place where customers could come get the daily news, grab a good meal and hear some good music. This was a place the residents of New Britain considered an extension of their lives. Joe went further to say that he’s gotten to watch the neighborhood change. Affordable communal spaces like this have been replaced by higher prices and more crime, making the nostalgic memories of Miss Washington Diner seem even more distant.

Fun fact about this diner- Its title ‘Miss Washington’ is only 55 years old. The diner originally opened as ‘The Terminal Diner’ in 1928 on the corner of route 71A and Washington St. In 1962 after remodeling the building, Mr. Georgiadis the then-owner attempted to rename the diner to ‘Washington Diner’ but was objected by another local diner Hartford of the same name. Mr. Georgiadis Added ‘Miss’ To the name to keep the moniker and the peace. The restaurant was listed as closed officially in 2017 marking an end to the 89-year run of the diner. The building is still standing but the loss of this business may represent a whole lot more. Conversations with community members give a sense this loss represents the disappearance of something deeply intimate.

The lot was purchased in 2021 by City Place LLC, A private real estate company. According to New Britain public records, demolition efforts on the building have stalled. Local maintenance manager Solomon who works for City Place Apartments reported observing preservation efforts aimed directly at the Diner. New Britain Resident Joe has heard rumors of the building being prepared for renovation, I could not independently verify these rumors. Will it be torn down? Will it be renovated? The future for the building as of now remains suspended- just like its retro interior, a time capsule of what once was.

Some could see this as just a diner, just another renovation, progress. What if we asked ourselves where this leads? In a culture where upgrades and innovation can feel impending. It seems what’s often left behind is affordability and community. I’m not suggesting that saving Miss Washington Diner will save the communal fabric of New Britain. I’m suggesting that we take a closer look at the threads before we start cutting pieces out.