IN PROGRESS: Front Street @ Adriaen's Landing

[SOCOM]

Appreciate the update Tycoon. I was hoping for a 2004 unveiling but January is the next best thing.

Just 7-10 more weeks...let the countdown begin!

[beerbeer]

The complicated lease is slowing down the process. See today's (11-15-05) Courant for full details.

[Luca Brasi]

What is causing the complications is the fact that Nitkin wants to include condos - not rentals - in his plan. The problem is that the land is already owned by Travelers. How do you sell condos to someone when someone else already owns the land?

Another problem is Nitkin has to use the infrastructure already in place and design around existing garages, streets, utilities, etc.

The story stresses that Nitkin is the "preferred developer" - nothing is a done deal yet. In order to increase his chances, Nitkin has had Robert Stern design multiple plans for Front Street. I hope we get to see them all.

[MadVlad]

I hope we even get to see them...

[SOCOM]

If this deal falls through I'm going to stab myself in the eye with a spoon.

[MadVlad]

Well, SOMETHING has to go there, hopefully Nitkin is right, and they are just taking their time so as to get it right the first time...

[GregV]

I hope so. And though there are several complications to building condos at part of the site, I hope the final plans include them. Home ownership should be the #1 priority in downtown development, as it is essential to the health of any city. People care more about their city if they own a piece of it.

[beerbeer]

HARTFORD, Conn. -- In between the new Connecticut Convention Center and Hartford's downtown are six bare and empty acres.

Questions of who owns the land and how to configure the development have complicated negotiations, but both sides hope to have a deal in place by year's end. But, given that this is the state's third try, they say haste is not a priority.

"You only get to design a project of this magnitude once," said Bradley Nitkin, the Greenwich-based developer hoping to make his Hartford mark. "And my view is, you want to do it the right way."

In 2004, the Capital City Economic Development Authority dumped developer Richard Cohen after he failed to begin work in two years. A year ago, an effort to find a new developer failed.

"We're definitely getting closer to an announcement," said Nitkin, who was selected as "preferred developer" in April. He and his architects, the eminent Robert A.M. Stern's New York City firm, have submitted several configurations.

Half the land is owned by The Travelers Indemnity Co., with the state holding a 99-year lease, so one holdup involves figuring out how Nitkin would be able to sell condos on the site."

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My question is if only half the land is 99-year leased, whhy not build the condos on the othe half of the land?

[SOCOM]

My question is if only half the land is 99-year leased, whhy not build the condos on the othe half of the land?

Sounds like they don't want the condo's to be seperate from the retail in one or two towers, but rather integrate the two in more expansive buildings.

[Theophrastus Bombastus]

ANY movement at all from Nitkin / CCEDA??? A site plan? Conceptual drawing? Doodle on the back of a cocktail napkin?

[HartfordTycoon]

ANY movement at all from Nitkin / CCEDA??? A site plan? Conceptual drawing? Doodle on the back of a cocktail napkin?

We should see something in early January according to press releases.

[Hartfordfan]

if you get any pictures when the rendering comes out, please post it right away. i have been waiting for years to see what is the final design looks like. When does construction of the science center start? i drove by there recently but haven't seen a thing done on the sight.

[Theophrastus Bombastus]

Does the state have any arrangements with St. Paul Travelers and Phoenix to do something with all their loading docks on Columbus Blvd.? They are pretty ugly, and could probably be relocated (plus, every time I drive there all the truck just stay in the street anyway and unload their stuff!)

[Theophrastus Bombastus]

STILL no site plan for Front Street? What is the deal-ee-o? Troubling.

[Hartfordfan]

yea. they're supposed to release the plans this month. if not, this will be very bad.

[beerbeer]

Why will it be very bad?

[Hartfordfan]

why? because the project was going to be finished before the convention center opened. the city has rejected so many many architects. it was evened mention in the new york times article.

[Luca Brasi]

While its great that the Science Center has broken ground, I noticed that the northwest parcel at Front Street has been paved, lined, landscaped, fenced in and lit and is now being used as a surface parking lot. Thats a little troubling...

[Theophrastus Bombastus]

While its great that the Science Center has broken ground, I noticed that the northwest parcel at Front Street has been paved, lined, landscaped, fenced in and lit and is now being used as a surface parking lot. Thats a little troubling...

Hopefully that's just for the convenience of the construction workers, since they can't park in the Science Center lot anymore. That is probably the last spot that will be developed (originally that is where the residential tower was going to go). It's funny, I noticed in the new Front Street garage that a whole section is blocked off for "Residents Only" parking already - at least that shows a little optimism..... NOW SHOW ME THE SITE PLAN, CCEDA & Nitkin!

[beerbeer]

What are the odds they are presented in February?

[sp1dey]

Should I stop holding my breath now?

Anyhwho, I still maintain that a retail outlet village would be perfect at Front Street (a la Clinton, CT or Wretham, MA). It would appeal to the West Hartford crowd while not competing with it and it offers something that Buckland doesn't (Buckland is utilitarian shopping not a destination). It would also be great for the convention crowd.

[Cotuit]

Ooh, I love Clinton, if there was something like that in Hartford I'd go.

[sp1dey]

Exactly!!! It would be a destination that shoppers would come to the city for... and boost appeal for conventions. You can also add some residential (condos or apts) above the stores.

Edited January 30, 2006 by sp1dey

[Theophrastus Bombastus]

Sounds good to me as long as ample parking is available (no one is going to take mass transit to an outlet), but they better come out with something soon. Also, that may help to attract some retail-oriented conventions.

I wonder how the state would react to Foxwoods or Mohegan opening up an "annex" at Front Street - just a few tables and slots, nice restaurant, etc.

[sp1dey]

what's it cost to park in the convention center? or maybe some underground parking could be worked in. Just an idea. I feel like Front Street needs to offer something (retail oriented) that the malls don't. The other idea I had was a Fanual Hall like place... but I still feel like an outlet village would hit the spot. But, you are correct, parking needs to be considered.