HARTFORD, CT - The old American Airlines building in Hartford is taking off in a new direction and being converted into dozens of low-rent apartments. David Nyberg, developer for the new apartment building, said he hopes that the 101 one-and two-bedroom apartments will lure new residents downtown to reside at 915 Main St. Hartford resident Benjamin Jenson said he lives in the downtown area of the city. He said the city should encourage more youth to live downtown.
Gwen Forrest of College Street Management said the new downtown apartments, which feature granite countertops and ceramic tile, are contemporary. "They're built well and just being large and spacious is really going to make the market here," said Forrest.
The building opens at the end of March, rents will range from $995 to $1850 a month. The downtown apartments at 915 Main St. have been priced lower than units at other downtown residences, such Trumbull on the Park and Hartford 21.
Some area residents say the rents are still too steep. A recent study conducted by the Connecticut Business and Industry Council found that since 1990, 19-to 34-year-olds have left Connecticut at rates higher than any other state in the country. Some said that statistic is largely due to the lack of affordable apartments.
"I don't think it's practical for us to say that we're going to have this city entirely populated by people that can afford to pay $2,000 a month for rent," said Forrest.
However, Jensen said, living downtown has advantages. "After work, I can go out. I can go to a bar. I can go to a restaurant afterwards and I can walk home," said Jenson.
Source: wfsb.com