City Grill
Christopher Bockstael
Partner
Svigals + Partners
Hartford’s transportation sector is thriving. The Hartford-Bradley Airport’s multi-level addition and improved ticketing area and baggage handling are being funded partly by a $20-million federal grant, while the Charter Oak Bridge will lessen congestion on Hartford’s Interstate 91 with an improved exit ramp, road resurfacing, signage and drainage.
A master plan of Middletown’s riverfront redevelopment Riverbend also is underway, which will include an active arts and culture area, entertainment, retail, market-rate housing, public spaces and a pedestrian bridge. “Housing is an opportune focus for the area,” says Bockstael, pointing to a Realtor.com report that found Hartford ranking high for its affordable housing. He says a $17.4-million housing development could be approved soon in addition to “large apartment developments around Dunkin’ Donuts Park baseball stadium and a new mixed-use neighborhood near Bushnell Park and the Bushnell Performing Arts Center.”
K-12 schools and higher education projects are also “growing in certain areas,” Bockstael says.