Officials Provide Update on The Hartford

Two companies have expressed interest in utilizing space at The Hartford campus, a marketing professional recently told a Simsbury committee. 

Those users are interested in approximately 100,000 and 400,000 square feet of the 640,944-square foot building. That may present some challenges but the interest is a positive sign, John McCormick of CBRE/New England recently told the town’s Hartford Land Use Study Committee.

“It gives us latitude to be creative,” he said.

The update was just one from McCormick during the recent meeting. The marketing effort has included personal outreach, meetings, brochures and other efforts. 

CBRE has concentrated its marketing efforts on the traditional office space client but currently the Hartford is reviewing the town’s draft proposal of form-based codes for the property.

Last year the town and the Hartford hired Gateway Planning to conduct a land-use study that included input from the public, town officials, business professionals and more.  

Much of the effort focused on mixed-use ideas, many utilizing a 40-acre corn field that is part of the 133-acre property. For example, one scenario was for a corporate research village with uses such as biotech or science research, with a possible education component and housing options. The codes would guide such development ideas. 

In the recent meeting, McCormick said the completion of that process will allow CBRE to market to a different set of potential developers.

“Once we have that roadmap we can start going after that developer and/or interest,” McCormick said. 

The meeting also included a brief presentation from Maya Lowenberg, permit ombudsman for the state Department of Economic and Community Development.

The town is working with DECD on a program that could, if successful, expedite any necessary permitting processes for the site.

“We have received enthusiastic support from the DECD,” said First Selectman Mary Glassman.

Those interested in learning more about the sale effort are invited to a Simsbury Chamber of Commerce informational breakfast at the 200 Hopmeadow St. facility on Wednesday, Feb. 26 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Registration is required for the event. See more here.