A renewed vision of the city of Hartford's Downtown North

ōnō) districtDowntown North (dōnō) district is the great connector between Downtown Hartford and the northern neighborhoods. dōnō benefits from proximity to Riverside Park - one of Hartford's greatest natural assets - along with convenient, walkable access to offices, shops, restaurants, and cultural destinations. Combined with improved economic health and a growing demand for housing and retail space in the capital city, dōnō is positioned for an exciting and dynamic future. At the moment, much of dōnō is being utilized as an area for commuter parking and open space. However, the city of Hartford envisions this area as a major gateway and has recently completed an ambitious master plan that builds on existing assets. Two recently completed projects, a $77 million new public safety complex and a $41 million magnet school, have brought investment to the area and have started to shape the development of dōnō. The city (which owns much of the underutilized real estate) is eager to start working with developers to make the city of Hartford's $325 million vision of long- and short-term goals a reality. Housing is a key component of this plan - and market analysis shows it is plausible to support 1,700 to 4,700 units of housing throughout Hartford. Many of those are proposed for the dōnō district - along with a strong mix of retail, office, and entertainment venues. The plan also calls for creating public and open spaces, as well as walking and biking routes that bring dōnō "closer" to Riverside Park, the transportation center of the city, and the cultural vibrancy of other Hartford neighborhoods. The plan focuses around three key components: A new town center. The intersection of Main and Trumbull Streets is seen as the new "town center" with retail anchors, a proposed municipal office building, and residential development. Recognizing the importance of the pedestrian experience, the city aims to achieve a more walkable area by reconfiguring the streets to accommodate wider, tree-lined sidewalks, dedicated bike lanes, improved crosswalks, and on-street parking. Phased development may also include the creation of three new streets that will improve circulation in the district. Embracing I-84 and I-91. The dōnō district is often perceived as cut off from the rest of the city by two major highways, I-84 and I-91. The right development will be able to capitalize on what is actually a highly desirable location that is easily accessible to a regional customer base and takes advantage of Downtown Hartford's estimated 70,000 daytime population. Recent market analysis shows that dōnō is able to accommodate approximately 163,000 s/f of new retail. These shops, including the possibility of a 30,000 s/f grocery store, will provide needed goods and services for local residents. Within the current plan, retail sales are projected to reach $62 million by 2017. The city plans vast improvements to the connections over I-84 to help attract residents and the more than 6 million local and regional visitors that attend city events each year. This could include wider sidewalks that are lined with trees, innovative landscaping, and the creation of new open spaces. Access to Riverside Park and the Connecticut River. This beautiful 152-acre, tree-filled park is being leveraged for the benefit of dōnō's redevelopment. Riverside Park offers sweeping vistas of the Connecticut River, walking/biking trails lined with public art, and a boat launch and community rowing program that attracts many people to the area every day and for special events. The main access point in this area to Riverside Park (currently an underutilized and unattractive pedestrian bridge that spans I-91) is envisioned as a beautiful new place-making strategy. Using green infrastructure and natural elements, an improved connection would provide an appealing and inviting route for bikers and pedestrians to and from dōnō. It also would serve as a gateway to announce to I-91 travelers that they have reached the heart of Hartford. The time for meaningful development in Hartford's Downtown North region is finally here. The steps outlined in the master plan are real, achievable, and already starting to take place. Retail and housing developers are encouraged to join in this historic movement that will shape Hartford for generations to come. Thomas Deller, AICP, is the director of Department of Development Services, Hartford, Conn.