West Hartford Reviewing Mixed Use Proposal

West Hartford is undergoing a massive transformation that focuses on revitalizing the former UConn campus. The goal is to turn this ‘ancient’ institution into a vibrant, mixed-use development structure to enhance the towns urban and social fabric. The goal is to offer residents with up-to-date nature-filled living experiences. In general, the project developers intend to reimagine the area with a blend of retail spaces, apartments and public amenities adding to its vibrancy.

The Current UConn compass has a long history, which spans across decades. Originally established by the University of Connecticut in West Hartford in 1939, during the 20th century, the university served as a hub for academic programs. It offered various graduate and undergraduate courses in business, liberal arts and engineering. Over the years, the campus spread its wings becoming an integral aspect of the town’s landscape. Its buildings, students, faculty and work contributed greatly to the community’s vibrancy.

Nonetheless as the University of Connecticut grew the West Hartford campus was slowly phased out. In the latter two decades, all that remained was an unused plot of land. Although the closure of the campus marked the end of an era, it presented a new opportunity of redeveloping that piece of land for other uses. The options were numerous, yet the developers stuck to UConn’s academic legacy opting to develop a place that fosters education, connection and community engagement.

In essence, consistent with other redevelopment plans happening across the nation, the developers herein sought to preserve important elements of history while introducing modern structures and spaces for the benefit of the entire community. The developers honored the site’s rich academic legacy by including sustainable design principles and public spaces. In this way, both the past and the future of the campus were thoughtfully blended.

To ensure the success of the project, the policy makers, developers and other key persons involved incorporated thoughtful planning and extensive community input. The development team partnered with the area’s residents, land use authorities and town officials. This was done to ensure that every initiative meets the needs of the community and honors the natural surroundings simultaneously.

One important thing to mention is the former UConn campus offers the perfect conditions for mixed-use redevelopment. To start with, the campus’ location at the intersection of Lawler Road, Trout Brook Drive and Asylum Avenue makes it easily accessible. Also, its abundance of natural elements helps developers to meet their sustainability goal. One of the most outstanding preservations includes the campus’ white oak tree. According to the team, the tree’s preservation will symbolize the project’s overall goal and commitment of ecological balance. The last aspect it’s the land’s relative size that allows for the inclusion of different types of commercial and residential spaces.

As a mixed-use project, the building features different amenities, such as community centers and libraries to improve the residents’ overall quality of life. On the other hand, the residential units vary in both style and sizes offering a wide variety of options for consumers. They feature spacious apartments. Because the goal is to modernize these ‘ancient’ structures and revitalize the community, the residential structures also feature high-quality finishes to attract the modern renter.

The buildings will also benefit from proximity to parks, walking trails, and the area’s retail offerings, making them an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy an active, urban lifestyle while staying connected to nature.

When it comes to social amenities, renters and businesses will experience a sense of convenience and community. First, the retail spaces will allow entrepreneurs to open establishments that cater the specific needs of the locals. The spaces will feature specialty and everyday essential shops. Accordingly, the residents will not need to travel far and wide for basic commodities. These businesses are meant to enhance the livability and the vibrancy of the area. Locals will get dining and entertainment services within their reach.

For fitness enthusiasts and other people gravitating towards healthy living, the development project features outdoor spaces to meet this need. According to the project’s developers, more than 44% of the site will feature recreational areas, walking trails and parts. The walking trail will also include a continuous extension from the Trout Brook Trail. The trail, one of the project’s key highlights, will provide cyclists and pedestrians a scenic route of the area. It will provide an opportunity for the community to experience the natural beauty of the campus grounds.

It is also worth mentioning that the developers have also considered active and passive recreation. Accordingly, the project will feature sport and play grounds for adults and children as well as peaceful green areas where individuals can hold picnics, read books and even socialize. The existing ball fields, which the town still holds on to will also be available for use. These wide range of activities will create a self-sustaining and healthy community.

Besides prioritizing the health of the residents, the project also considers environmental sustainability, a key priority herein. The developers have specifically focused on reducing the projects overall environmental impact. Thus, they have employed couple of green building standards including energy efficiency, indoor air quality, sustainable site selection, materials and resource use and water conservation and efficiency, among others. Indeed, the project’s whole goal of repurposing this abandoned structure acknowledges the impact of construction activities to the environment.

Almost all redevelopment plans have significant economic benefits to the communities involved and the West Hartford project is not an exception. To start with, during the construction process, small businesses supplying the developers with goods and services ought to benefit from the increased demand. On the other hand, when the building launches, as mentioned before, the retail spaces will be occupied by entrepreneurs, which will most likely increase the town’s tax base. The influx of consumers will make business attractive. Overall, the city’s economy will witness an upwards growth.

In a nutshell, the current redevelopment plan of former UConn campus will offset the growing demand of suburban houses. The mixed-use design will create a somewhat self-sustaining ecosystem that appeals to the modern consumer.