10-06-2025
How $2 million in public funding could help a CT site needed for future major development
A key piece of funding needed for tearing down a blighted, vacant Connecticut structure appears poised to fall into place.
It's near Dunkin' Park, part of the city of Hartford's plan to build an applied artificial intelligence center and other development on the property.
A committee of the Capital Region Development Authority recently backed a request from the city to transfer $2 million in city funds managed by CRDA to the demolition of the deteriorating, former data processing center on Windsor Street. The full CRDA board must still approve the transfer from a stalled, mixed-use development in Parkville, but typically committee approval leads to backing by the full board.
The city expects a $6 million state grant to largely cover the estimated, $9.4 million cost of knocking down the former bank procession center at 150 Windsor St. The city has another $1.4 million set aside for the demolition.
The bunker-like structure is a clearly visible, familiar site to those attending Dunkin' Park, the city's minor league ballpark.
Derek Peterson, CRDA's senior underwriter, told the housing and neighborhood development committee that the $29 million Parkville development — 57 apartments and a 400-space garage — had run into trouble pulling together financing. The CRDA funding was approved in 2023.
'Two years later. I'd say, these projects have moved away from us,' Peterson said. 'Unfortunately, in terms of budgets and borrowing costs, as well as other city projects presenting themselves as ready to go, and public financing is needed. And that includes the demolition of the data center at 150 Windsor St.'
Peterson said, 'the idea is really to make way for other economic development projects as that building comes down.'
The developer of the apartments and parking garage at 17 and 35 Bartholomew Ave., Carlos Mouta, told The Courant that the project is essential to future growth in Parkville because it will provide sorely needed parking, already at a premium in the neighborhood. But Mouta said he understood the need for pulling the funding for the downtown project, as long as it become available again in the future for the development in Parkville, given the need for parking.
In addition, Mouta is trying to close a financing gap for a much, $90 million conversion of a former factory at the corner of Bartholomew Avenue and Hamilton Street into apartments.
The city's request to CRDA would unwind financing approvals totaling $8.2 million for the housing and parking garage projects at 17 and 35 Bartholomew Ave., a combination of city and CRDA funds. After taking out the $2 million to tear down the Windsor Street structure, the balance would be used for future projects, according to a proposal that will now be considered by the full board.
The demolition of 150 Windsor Street would clear the way for the artificial intelligence center, if the city is chosen for up to $50 million from the state's 'Innovation Clusters' program. Hartford is one of three anchor cities that are finalists for the funding.
The $100 million program is aimed at strengthening Connecticut's economy through innovation, partnering with the private sector to building employment, boost vibrancy and develop ecosystems that are seen as essential to future economic development.
The Windsor Street processing center site has always been considered as part of the larger, North Crossing redevelopment around Dunkin's Park. North Crossing's developer has shown support for the AI center, perhaps adding a boutique hotel to diversify beyond the hundreds of apartments built or are now under construction in the area.
In addition to Hartford, New Haven and Stamford also are finalists. A decision from the state on the Innovation Clusters funding is expected early this summer.
Kenneth R. Gosselin can be reached at kgosselin@
