Out with the new, in with the old

Over the last 10 years we have all seen the bright and shiny new additions to the Hartford skyline. Adriaen's Landing, Hartford 21, and Trumbull on the Park join a multitude of new development projects that have graced our great city. New construction is a very welcomed addition however historic preservation and more importantly restoration should be given equal attention.

For years Hartford has destroyed some of its greatest buildings. Much of Hartford does not house the density it once did because so many great buildings were knocked down for a variety of projects. As we look to shiny new projects to craft the future success of our city we cant forget about all the abandoned buildings throughout the city. These abandoned buildings are both eyesores and assets. They are eyesores to the community, decrease the sense of place, and even promote unlawful activities. These buildings are also assets though because these buildings are truly unique to Hartford. By renovating them we can create new residential, office, and retail spaces in beautiful, historical buildings which cant be found in the suburbs.

We have vacant buildings in every corner of this city, in some cases surrounding some our city's main institutions. For instance, I am sure we have all passed by those boarded up brick buildings at Washington and Jefferson Streets - foot steps away from the courts and the Hartford Hospital/CCMC campus. These buildings could be renovated into a wonderful set of apartments which would increase our city's population, increase foot traffic, get rid of an eye sore on a main thoroughfare, and save a true gem of a property.

Can everyone imagine what Hartford would be like if every abandoned building - big and small was renovated? It would be astonishing. We would see change throughout all of our neighborhoods and not just downtown. I am sure everyone in Hartford can think of a couple of key buildings that they they would love to see renovated (and I am not just talking about the obvious big ones like Capital West and the Butt Ugly). We are very fortunate to have had many of downtown's gems resurrected into masterpieces once again (The Hollander, The Metropolitan, 55 on the Park, Sage Allen, and G. Fox). Now we must work to resurrect the rest of our abandoned building stock before the city knocks these buildings down!