UConn opens first Hartford dormitory, bringing student housing to downtown
The University of Connecticut has officially opened its first residence hall for students attending its Hartford campus, marking a significant milestone for the university’s presence in the Capital City.
The new dormitory, located on Pratt Street in downtown Hartford, will house about 200 students in a former office building that was converted into student housing. University officials say the project comes as demand continues to grow at the regional campus.
“I think it’s a great thing us being the first ones to be in this beautiful building,” said UConn junior Kai Blatchford.
Students moving into the residence hall will live in apartment-style units and have access to common areas, study spaces, a fitness room, and a game room.
The university says there is already a waiting list for the housing, underscoring growing interest in both studying and living in Hartford.
“I really connected with a lot of the students on this campus. I think it’s very culturally rich, as well as somebody who is originally from Trinidad there’s a lot of Caribbean people here in Hartford,” said UConn senior Arielle Crichlow.
The residence hall is about a 10-minute walk from the Hartford campus. The $29 million project involves UConn leasing the facility.
“The investment in our students is also investment in Hartford’s future,” UConn President Radenka Maric said.
City leaders and business owners say the addition of hundreds of students living downtown could provide an economic boost to Hartford and nearby businesses.
Some businesses on Pratt Street have already begun offering promotions aimed at students.
“It’s huge. It’s just like a dynamic shift in our downtown. You know, having been a college student before, we want Hartford to be a college town, a place where young people come. They get to experience our city, shop at all of our businesses,” said Rory Gale of Hartford Prints.
Students are expected to begin moving into the building at the end of next week.
The dormitory is the latest residential addition to Pratt Street.
Earlier this summer, a new apartment building also opened nearby, bringing more residents to Hartford’s downtown district.
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