New apartments, businesses aim to reconnect Hartford's North End with downtown
Construction is complete on dozens of new apartments and commercial space near Dunkin’ Park, marking a milestone in efforts to reconnect Hartford’s North End with downtown.
The project, known as Arrowhead Café and Beyond, includes 45 new apartments spread across three historic buildings just steps from the ballpark. Developers say the development is a key part of a broader strategy to repair divisions created decades ago by highways and large parking lots.
“This is extremely important. The reason why we have this corridor, we call it Gateway, Gateway North. And the reason for that is that this is the gateway connector between the commercial business district downtown to the north end of Hartford. This is a perfect place,” said Fernando Betancourt, of the San Juan Center.
Rents at the property will start at $1,350 for studio apartments. One-bedroom units will rent for $1,500, while two-bedroom apartments will start at $1,750. Developers say some of the units will qualify as affordable housing.
The $21 million project, supported by a major state grant, also includes about 6,000 square feet of commercial space. Additional housing development is already being planned nearby.
Businesses in the area say the investment is long overdue.
“I’m super excited. Super excited. I like how they’re bringing in the community, and I think that’s important,” said Aneudi Rodriguez Perez, of Dominican Beauty Bar.
The beauty bar, located on Main Street just steps from the new development, has operated in the neighborhood for about a decade. Rodriguez Perez said the changes could help revive an area that sat largely vacant for years.
“To see what it is now and to bring life to the neighborhood, in a sense, that this block was pretty much abandoned for like, you know, five, six years, to see it revitalized and subsidy apartments to help the residents and affordable housing that is also helpful,” Rodriguez Perez said.
Developers say plans are already in motion for 19 more apartments across the street. There is also discussion of turning portions of the area into a pedestrian plaza as redevelopment near Dunkin’ Park continues.
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