His goal is to make Webster’s downtown a better place, more attractive for more businesses, and a destination for the local population to relax, chill, and mingle…. a gathering area to enjoy and appreciate. Chris Robert, Webster resident and entrepreneur, has brought his most obvious touches to the once vibrant and energetic town of Webster by delivering a unique and distinctive paddleboat, The Indian Princess, to the town’s largest asset, Webster Lake; a high-tech and sophisticated museum known as the Samuel Slater Experience; and a host of additional developments all for the benefit of the town.

Mention must also be made of other families/organizations who benefitted the Webster community like the Remillards, Beckers, Janet Malser, Kunkels, Richard Nowak, Ivascyns, Hubbards, Pappas Family, and the Webster Five Foundation to name a few. Apologies if I have not included other commendable donors. They and Mr. Robert are the current supporters of the town, much like Samuel Slater and Chester C. Corbin were in the early years of Webster. The town is indeed privileged to have these wonderful, giving, and admirable sponsors who believe in the town and look to improve it for the benefit of all residents. 

Recently, Mr. Robert has focused on a 244 Main Street building that he has updated and renovated to include a barbering shop that is open seven days a week. The storefront has a burnt-wood appearance that is unique and has attracted multiple other retail inquiries. He has also installed a large weatherproof map of downtown Webster on the building’s façade. The map depicts the downtown stores that once graced Main Street. “Residents can check out the shops from years past,” said Chris. “I’m still looking for a theatre venue though. My goal is to make our downtown more attractive. My contractor, David Ford of Thompson Connecticut, has been instrumental in detailing the uplift of 244 Main and other building owners have contacted him about updating their building appearances. We looked at upgrading the town hall, but the costs kept increasing with building codes playing a role as well. The goal is to attract more people to downtown and a theatre would be ideal for shows and other events.” 

The former State Theatre located at 253 Main Street was also a consideration but the section that housed the 900-seat theater’s movie screen was demolished years ago and made into a parking lot. 

Other considerations of Robert is a commuter rail from Worcester to Webster. “A new train station would have to be built,” he said, “and with Oxford’s interest in the commuter rail, it would be viable. The train would also make a stop in Auburn, and we have quite a good amount of interested people in the commuter-rail idea.”

“Yes, there are lots of empty storefronts in town but with increased traffic it would bring more businesses and sales. I would like to bring beauty to Webster and by the end of 2026, I hope to bring that to town. Everything I do, I thoroughly enjoy doing. There could be artist lofts in all these empty buildings.”

With the several businesses he has owned, Robert stated that he has received the most pleasure out of helping people. About eight years ago, he learned about a hospital in Tanzania. There were 80,000 acres that would be available to feed the local population. He assisted the local population in establishing a fish incubation area to expand their economy by growing and selling the fish. Soon corn will become one of their large crops to help feed the local population. “Once the corn is harvested, we’ll buy equipment to process corn, but we won’t be a grower of corn. All of this will be owned by the charity we established. One of our goals is to provide summer school next year to get the population productive enough to sustain themselves and to build a better Tanzania,” said Robert.

It’s very clear that Chris Robert is moving in a most positive direction for the residents of Webster and, hopefully, more forward-thinkers will join him in his vision for a robust and thriving downtown.