HARTFORD, Conn. — Work is now underway in “phase two” of a development project that will eventually bring new housing and shops to the area around Dunkin’ Park in Hartford.
“This has stood as surface parking or deteriorated and blighted buildings for decades,” said Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin during a Friday press conference.
He announced the start of this second phase of development on ‘Parcel B,’ the surface parking lot southwest of Dunkin’ Park.
“This is going to be a great, great project for the whole city,” said I. Charles Mathews, director of the Dept. of Development Services for the city of Hartford.
Parcel B is part of what is known as the “North Crossing Development.”
The plan is to build 500 new units of housing, as well as a multi-use parking structure, shops and eventually a grocery store.
“I have never been more bullish on the city of Hartford and certainly would not have made these types of and continue to make these types of investments in the city if I was not confident in its future,” added founder and CEO of the developer, RMS Companies, Randy Salvatore.
This next phase of development isn’t just about building out the area around the ballpark.
Officials said this is another step toward their goal of bringing the city back together.
“Hartford suffered from two great planning Sins of the last century. One was to cut the city off from its river with I-91 and the other was to cut the city in half with 84, and those decisions have both left some pretty deep wounds,” explained Bronin.
City leaders said when Interstate 84 was built, it separated the northern section from the rest of the city.
“This sea of surface parking has divided our community for so long and I think the really, the most important part of all of this work is reconnecting our neighborhoods and knitting our neighborhoods back together with this development,” Bronin said.
Work is already underway off-site, but construction is expected to start this winter. Salvatore said the first residents could be moving in, in just under two years.
“We've planted a lot of seeds that I hope and believe are going to grow and blossom in the months and years ahead,” said Bronin.
Emma Wulfhorst is a political reporter for FOX61 News. She can be reached at ewulfhorst@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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