[Matrix2791]

Originally Posted by HumpDay

Yup I remember when the Cutter Financial Center was going to be built. In 1990 there was a high demand for office space and if this was built it would've been the tallest in New England by far. To this day it still would be the tallest at roughly 900 feet. It's incredible that a city of that size was able to attract such large development. In the long run I think it's was a better idea for it not to be built since there was a recession shortly after it was proposed. The project was cancelled because of that and Hartford slowly declined afterwards. The city "somewhat" bounced back around 2005 once the convention center was built and business has returned (for the most part). Vacancy is low right now which is a plus but it would be MUCH higher if that 900 foot mammoth was constructed.

Yeah there probably would of been a high vacancy. Although had they been built it could turned into more residential property for the city? Hell of a lot better than having surface parking lots. I'll tell you one thing Hartford would of had a bad ass skyline. Damn what could of been!!!

[HumpDay]

Originally Posted by Matrix2791

Yeah there probably would of been a high vacancy. Although had they been built it could turned into more residential property for the city? Hell of a lot better than having surface parking lots. I'll tell you one thing Hartford would of had a bad ass skyline. Damn what could of been!!!

Although a 900 foot skyscraper is massive, could you imagine how weird and unproportional the skyline would have been? The closest height would be the already existing 535 foot CityPlace. A height difference of nearly 400 feet wouldn't be nice looking IMO. I think what we have right now is nice and to be honest I think low rise 5-6 story buildings to fill in the dozens of eyesore surface parking lots would be a good start.

As for the vacancy rate, I doubt the office space would be converted to apartments. If this was built in 1990, remember that living in downtown Hartford wasn't really a "thing" yet. Not many people lived in downtown and during this time Hartford's crime rate was near its highest. Although downtown was still somewhat safe, there weren't many amenities for downtown residents like there are now. I think the high vacancy rate would have good for renters since the property owners could reduce rents or create new incentives to attract companies. So who knows what could've happened. Even if apartments were built within the tower I think the only part of the building that would be converted would be the top floors. I personally can't imagine a 900 foot tower full of only apartments. That would be too risky in my opinion.

[Matrix2791]

Originally Posted by HumpDay

Although a 900 foot skyscraper is massive, could you imagine how weird and unproportional the skyline would have been? The closest height would be the already existing 535 foot CityPlace. A height difference of nearly 400 feet wouldn't be nice looking IMO. I think what we have right now is nice and to be honest I think low rise 5-6 story buildings to fill in the dozens of eyesore surface parking lots would be a good start.

As for the vacancy rate, I doubt the office space would be converted to apartments. If this was built in 1990, remember that living in downtown Hartford wasn't really a "thing" yet. Not many people lived in downtown and during this time Hartford's crime rate was near its highest. Although downtown was still somewhat safe, there weren't many amenities for downtown residents like there are now. I think the high vacancy rate would have good for renters since the property owners could reduce rents or create new incentives to attract companies. So who knows what could've happened. Even if apartments were built within the tower I think the only part of the building that would be converted would be the top floors. I personally can't imagine a 900 foot tower full of only apartments. That would be too risky in my opinion.

Well I guess we'll never know either way.

[beerbeer]

Front Street Lofts are now at 98% full. This is much faster than anyone expected and shows the desirability of downtown living. Because of the success of the new building, Front Street will begin construction of another new apartment building this spring on Arch street just west of the Arch Street Cafe. It should come on line in a year.

The over all apartment occupant rate downtown is at 3.5% which is considered full because of the movement of renters into and out of apartments.

[apple87]

[Raider111]

is it done finally?

outfield seating looks excessive, those will never be filled

[East of the River]

Originally Posted by Raider111

is it done finally?

outfield seating looks excessive, those will never be filled

I don't think so last report I heard was crews just started actual work again yesterday, should be finished around New Year if things go as planned.

[beerbeer]

Nice article today on the Goodwin Hotel renovation. Looks to be a first class job. A new French Restaurant will open on the ground floor. Work is ongoing and the place will open in 2017. Next year should bring big changes to the city. The revamped hotel, UConn opens to students on Front Street. A new bookstore, Barnes and Noble will open and finally the ball park will be done. Lot's going to happen.

[JayCT]

It looks like Hartford's first "micro" apartment project is a big success. The owner/developer is interested in doing more of them downtown. This may be even more successful once UConn moves its campus downtown next year and students there begin to seek apartments near the campus. Will see. Jay

Hartford’s first — likely not the last — ‘micro’ apts. bow | HartfordBusiness.com

[Matrix2791]

Nice view, but way to many parking lots in background.