Wilfred Elizur Griggs
May 2, 1866 – June 24, 1918
Wilfred Griggs is responsible for designing many of the city’s most prominent buildings downtown, structures that remain at the core of the city’s architectural accomplishments.
His most famous building is the stately Elton Hotel on The Green, famous for its visit by John F Kennedy in 1960 and the setting for James Thurber’s story, “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.” Griggs also designed the Italianate Odds Fellows building, the Howland-Hughes building on Bank Street, and the high rise Lilley building.
He also designed many of the homes in the Historic Overlook neighborhood as well as the Kingsbury and Webster schools.
Griggs studied architecture at Columbia University and opened his first office in Waterbury in 1891. A few months later he entered into a partnership with the much older Robert W. Hill, with the stated aim of taking over Hill’s office at his retirement. This occurred in about 1892.
Griggs practiced alone until 1900, when he associated with William E. Hunt, as Griggs & Hunt. Griggs & Hunt grew into Waterbury’s leading architectural firm and lasted until Hunt moved to Torrington in late 1914. After that, Griggs practiced alone until his death on June 24, 1918.
Wilfred Elizur Griggs Gallery
The Elton Hotel
Built in 1904, The Elton Hotel, located on the Waterbury Green, was designed in the Second Renaissance Revival architectural style. James Thurber is said to have written “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.” John F. Kennedy gave an early-morning speech from the hotel that was credited with helping him win Connecticut. It continued to be used as a hotel until the early 1970s. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places individually. It is currently used as professional office space and senior housing.
The Hitchcock Building and Masonic Temple Waterbury, CT
The Hitchcock Building and Masonic Temple on West Main St at the Soldier’s Monument. The Masonic Temple is now home to The Mattatuck Museum.
Odd Fellows Building
Built in 1895 for the Independent Order of Odd Fellows this 6-story structure is located on the corner of North and West Main St on The Green. the building is in the Venetian Gothic style. The first two stories are Potsdam red sandstone, the stories above of “old gold” Pompeian brick, trimmed with speckled terra cotta. For many years, starting in 1948, the building was home to Grieve, Bisset & Holland Department Store.
Griggs Court House
Built in 1895 and located on the corner of Leavenworth and Kendrick Ave, this Griggs & Allen designed building underwent a major renovation in 1911.