heyyyitsrob

I agree. Do it right the first time. If the shops at Somerset Square (http://theshopsatsomersetsquare.com/) are any indication of the quality of construction HBN promises, combined with the portfolios on Stearn's and Ishmaeil Leyva's websites, it looks like the end result will be hailed much more as "long overdue" than "anti-climactic." I also sent a similar note to Stearn's website. If I hear anything back, I'll post it.

I sent the Director of Development for H.B. Nitkin, Peter Christian, an email asking for an update on Front Street: Good afternoon, Mr. Christian. As a resident in Hartford who lives within walking distance of the development going on at the Adriaen's Landing/Front Street construction site, I was wondering if there was any sort of news you could offer with regards to your company's construction progress and any plans for marketing to retailers, etc. I understand if you cannot release information, but if there are any details you could possibly shed some light upon, it would be greatly appreciated. I look forward to this project's completion! Hope to hear from you. Thanks. -=Rob This is the response I got: Thank you for the email and your interest in the Front Street District. We are currently deeply engaged in the design process with our design professionals Robert A.M. Stern Architects and Ismael Leyva Architects and have recently named Whiting-Turner Contracting Company as our construction manager. We intend to begin construction this fall. We hope to include a mix of local and national restaurateurs and retailers in order to create a district with a vibrant mix that appeals to a broad spectrum of patrons. Best regards. -- Peter Food for thought, anyone?

You absolutely have a point - Boston does enjoy a far greater concentration of pedestrian traffic and Copley/Pru are more or less established "destinations" for shopping for people touring the Backbay area or want to go eat in a food court setting, etc. Hartford clearly lacks the pedstrian traffic, but I think that the presence of higher-end retail may be a draw. It's a risk on the retail companies' end for sure, but I think the point has been discussed at length in this forum that if the high end retail comes in, so will the clientele. I know it's a stretch, but I think the success of commercial outlets like Clinton Crossings could be a sort of inspiration. The presence of a Barney's, a Saks outlet, a Kenneth Cole, and a Calvin Klein at the CC outlets is probably a draw to people who would otherwise trek to NYC or Boston for their higher-dollar shopping experience...or Westport for that matter. A Tiffany's in Hartford would be cool. I really wish H.B. Nitkin had information about Front St. on its website. I wonder what kind of work (if any) they are doing to market the property to retailers....and what the city might be doing on the marketing front as well.

I work part-time in retail at Buckland Hills mall for a clothing company that caters more to the professional image. I can't tell you how many men and women have come into the store sporting a purse or satchel or wallet from Louis Vuitton. Out of curiousity, I usually compliment them on their LV and ask where they got it. Usually they respond with NYC, or Boston. LV seems like a viable option for downtown at Front Street for higher-end retail.... if a LV can survive in the Copley Sq mall in Boston, an LV could surely survive here There's certainly the demand.

Can someone please post a link to the article in the HBJ?

I sent the following note to [email protected] just a minute ago. I would suggest that people send similar, personalized emails (don't just copy and paste or I bet they'll interpret it as spam...): As a resident within walking distance of the Front Street development in Hartford, as well as someone who drives by it daily coming to and from work, I have been curious to see what the plan is to develop the site. When will the site plan for Front Street be made available to the public? Is there any sort of promotional material your group has assembled for marketing purposes that you could send me? Thanks for your time. I appreciate it, and I appreciate your group's contribution to revitalizing this great city! -=Rob

Hey all, My name is Rob. I'm 23 and moved here in June of 2006. I was hired by a local company right out of school, and wanted to live in the city, so I bought a 1-bedroom unit in a restored 6-family on Morris Street. Since I moved here I've been very excited by all the different renewal projects going on, and especially finding out about before/after success stories. I look forward to contributing to this forum. It's nice to hear that there's other people out there who have as much optimism about this city as I do! Take care