WHO WE ARE

The building at 20 Broad Street in New Britain was constructed in 1923 and originally operated as the Rialto Theater. After experiencing financial hardship in the late 1920s, the property entered receivership and was foreclosed in 1930. In 1934, the building was purchased by Nest 88 of the Polish Falcons of America, a fraternal benefit society headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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Founded in 1907, Nest 88 first met at Lee Hall on Lafayette Street and has long promoted physical fitness, community involvement, and Polish heritage. In the early twentieth century, the organization also played an important role in supporting Poland’s fight for independence. Approximately 300 men from New Britain were among the 20,000–25,000 Polish volunteers from North America who served in Haller’s Army, also known as the Blue Army, which fought under French command during World War I.

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Today, the building blends its historic roots with modern functionality. The lower level includes a newly renovated ballroom alongside retail spaces, as well as a fully equipped commercial kitchen. The entire second floor is dedicated to Nest 88 and its club bar and features three additional, more intimate event spaces, meeting rooms, club offices, and a second fully equipped commercial kitchen, allowing the venue to host a wide range of events while continuing its long-standing role as a cultural and social hub in New Britain.