The Annual Connecticut Commercial Real Estate Conference, sponsored by the University of Connecticut's Center for Real Estate and Urban Economic Studies, was recently held at the Hartford Marriott Hotel. Several Connecticut/Western Massachusetts SIOR Chapter members participated in the event, including two members who spoke in a panel presentation.
Comments about the Connecticut commercial real estate market were generally positive, with professionals forecasting a continued slow rebound for 2012 in most markets. Steve Inglese provided remarks on the New Haven market, which has been particularly active due to expansion initiatives from Yale University, as well as the re-development of Science Park.
Meanwhile, Maura Cochran discussed the Hartford market which will continue to experience challenges in the office sector. She also believes the State of Connecticut will play a meaningful role in the Hartford Office market due to its plans to purchase Class A office buildings.