What's Happening in Hartford, CT…

Demolition began recently at Westbrook Village, which will be redeveloped into retail spaces, offices, and 400 homes that will comprise New Westbrook Village.

City officials and developers held a formal ground breaking ceremony, but crews had started demolishing the homes several days earlier. Four construction companies at a minimum are working on the project, which covers 40 acres that lie between the University of Hartford, Albany Avenue, and a stretch of railroad tracks in the city's North End.

The project will be done in five phases. The first phase comprises 10 acres for commercial use, and 75 housing units. This initial phase should be finished inside of 14 months, which will allow leasing to start during Summer 2020. Developers hope to include restaurants, a grocery, and other retailers as commercial tenants in the project. Brochure printing is often used to promote developments like this.

Last year, Hartford's Housing Authority teamed up with Pennrose and The Cloud Company, who are real estate developers, to completely demolish and redevelop Westbrook Village. When finished, Westbrook Village will offer 400 homes with one, two, or three bedrooms, many of which will be priced affordably; specifically for those whose incomes are less than $20,305.

Some of the families in Westbrook Village have been living there for 40 years, and city officials sought their input before the project started. They will move back when construction is complete.