Existing land uses in the Derby Downtown Revitalization Zone (DDRZ) generally consist of a mix of retail and commercial establishments, industrial development, and apartments. These land uses are intermixed, reflecting the manner in which the downtown business district developed and the changes that have occurred over time as primary economic activities (and associated retail/residential uses) shifted to outlying areas.

Representative commercial uses along Main Street and Caroline Street include, Derby Jewelry, Derby Billiard Parlor, Calvert Safe and Lock, Scarpa Electric Supply Co., and Derby Garden Center, Derby Feed, etc. These commercial uses, which are generally found attached to other structures of varying styles and sizes, are interspersed with vacant space and miscellaneous properties owned by the City of Derby.

Access to the City of Derby Waste Water Treatment Facility to the rear of the DDRZ must be maintained through the site at the at-grade railroad crossing.

Several buildings in the project area are currently vacant. These buildings had been declining dramatically for decades as their days as the center of retail commerce for the entire region came to an end. Demolition of the buildings along Main Street has commenced as they are in a state of disrepair and pose a potential danger.

This property is located within FEMA Flood Zone X and is protected from the Housatonic River 100 year storm by a flood control dike and other measures.