XL Center Renovation/Replacement Plans

[MichaelQReilly]

I think this configuration would make sense for Allyn/Pratt Street. The new street (as shown by the red line) would allow a continuous flow from Main Street to the Train Station.

It also allows enough room (green space) to put a world class arena north of Allyn/Pratt.

I'm not sure any proposal to link Pratt and Allyn is really feasible because it would involve going through part of the retail space that Northland just redid when it built Hartford 21.

[Bill Mocarsky]

After looking through that rediculously long report, I have a few conclusions.

We are pretty clever on these boards as our ideas are quite simular to the conclusions that HOK made. They mention a connector between Allyn and Pratt to unify downtowns two entertainment and retail districts. They are also most focused on spuring development around the arena location. They highlight all of the parking lots west of the arena site down to the train station as targeted growth areas.

I think this configuration would make sense for Allyn/Pratt Street. The new street (as shown by the red line) would allow a continuous flow from Main Street to the Train Station.

It also allows enough room (green space) to put a world class arena north of Allyn/Pratt.

I'm not sure any proposal to link Pratt and Allyn is really feasible because it would involve going through part of the retail space that Northland just redid when it built Hartford 21.

I think an Allyn/Pratt corridor would be essential if this was to be the site of the new arena. There should also be a secondary corridor leading to Asylum and Haynes Street, in between CityPlace and the Goodwin.

Reconfiguring the retail space that Northland just redid seems to be minor in the grand scope of the project.

The original Civic Center Mall should have been built around such a connector. I believe its cul de sac feel contributed to its downfall.

[MichaelQReilly]

I think an Allyn/Pratt corridor would be essential if this was to be the site of the new arena. There should also be a secondary corridor leading to Asylum and Haynes Street, in between CityPlace and the Goodwin.

Reconfiguring the retail space that Northland just redid seems to be minor in the grand scope of the project.

The original Civic Center Mall should have been built around such a connector. I believe its cul de sac feel contributed to its downfall.

Well, I think that you're right that if the arena stayed on this side of 84 the roads would have to be reconnected. Which is part of the reason why I think that it is more sensible to put it on the other side of the highway.

[The Voice of Reason]

Well, I think that you're right that if the arena stayed on this side of 84 the roads would have to be reconnected. Which is part of the reason why I think that it is more sensible to put it on the other side of the highway.

The city has decided on the current location so I think it's a mute point. To further illustrate, the city has its land North of I-84 out to bid for development proposals.

As far as a connector between Goodwin and City place, I think the parking garage for H-21 makes this nearly impossible. I could be wrong since I do not know the specifics of the configuration, but parking garages are very difficult to change. There may however be a way to make it work at least for pedestrian traffic.

Another mark against the connector would be the financial interests of the developers. The goal is clearly to connect Pratt and Allyn, and to add value to retail properties on this axis. It would most benefit the developers to "force" arena goers through a pedestrian mall type environment terminating at the beginning of Pratt or Allyn depending on the direction taken. Think of this like a Vegas casino. You always have to walk through a shopping mall to get to the gaming area, and through the gaming area to get to the lobby. A large number of the 17000 visitors to the arena would be "forced" to walk past many shops and restaurants increasing their visibility and the developers return.

http://www.hartford.gov/Feasibility_Study.pdf its right on page 73

[whalerscomehome]

Yes, the city has chosen the site, so no sense debating alternative sites.

This is also going to require a lot of public money. But that should be expected. All new arenas in similar size cities require a great deal of public financing.

As for attendance going up for AHL, they are anticipating a jump in interest because of the new arena. Studies show that attendance increases in a new building, even when the product remains the same.

However, let's hope there is more talk about bringing an NHL or NBA team here!!!

[MichaelQReilly]

The city has decided on the current location so I think it's a mute point. To further illustrate, the city has its land North of I-84 out to bid for development proposals.

As far as a connector between Goodwin and City place, I think the parking garage for H-21 makes this nearly impossible. I could be wrong since I do not know the specifics of the configuration, but parking garages are very difficult to change. There may however be a way to make it work at least for pedestrian traffic.

Another mark against the connector would be the financial interests of the developers. The goal is clearly to connect Pratt and Allyn, and to add value to retail properties on this axis. It would most benefit the developers to "force" arena goers through a pedestrian mall type environment terminating at the beginning of Pratt or Allyn depending on the direction taken. Think of this like a Vegas casino. You always have to walk through a shopping mall to get to the gaming area, and through the gaming area to get to the lobby. A large number of the 17000 visitors to the arena would be "forced" to walk past many shops and restaurants increasing their visibility and the developers return.

http://www.hartford.gov/Feasibility_Study.pdf its right on page 73

After having read the report, you are right that will be the site.

[beerbeer]

I read most of the report.

It's a pleasure to see a a professional done document filled with new ideas that addresses multiple contingencies. After reading most of the dull documents prepared by Ken Greenberg (my favorite whipping boy) this is absolutely a step up. The case for a new arena is self-evident after reading this document and the appendix (on the existing XLC).

[The Voice of Reason]

To those of you who have read the report, what are your thoughts on the HOK plan?

do you agree with their assessment of the area and the anscilliary development that SHOULD happen? or are you like me and hope for higher density developments on those parking lots.

[MichaelQReilly]

To those of you who have read the report, what are your thoughts on the HOK plan?

do you agree with their assessment of the area and the anscilliary development that SHOULD happen? or are you like me and hope for higher density developments on those parking lots.

My impression was that it was quite well done. I was impressed with the focus on siting the new arena in the place that was most likely to spur surrounding development. The only thing I didn't like was the idea of covering the plaza/pedestrian walkway that would connect Pratt and Allyn, I would prefer it to be open air.

[The Voice of Reason]

My impression was that it was quite well done. I was impressed with the focus on siting the new arena in the place that was most likely to spur surrounding development. The only thing I didn't like was the idea of covering the plaza/pedestrian walkway that would connect Pratt and Allyn, I would prefer it to be open air.

That was my primary gripe as well. It seems that it would best serve the area to create a connector that appears as though it has been there for years. It would make the entertainment districts merge much better. Doors are a barrier plain and simple. It would be like the prudential center in Boston but smaller. That area is NOT pedestrian friendly.

[beerbeer]

Given a NHL team would play mostly in winter, a covered plaza seems prudent. Here's how HOK potentially sees it.

"With the Hartford 21 tower and parking garage occupying the length of Asylum Street (between

Ann Street and Trumbull Street), the arena would have little presence along its southern edge.

However, the creation on an inside/outside public space that also functions as the main public

lobby for the arena is an intriguing thought which warrants further study. Conceptually, this

design feature could link the Ann Street District and Union Station to the Pratt Street District and

the heart of downtown – the arena, in effect, could become a major “link” in downtown, rather

than the “barrier” that it has been for the past 32 years. Like Asylum Street, the Trumbull Street

edge is built out by the Hartford 21 tower and retail buildings, as well as the Hilton Hotel. In

addition to creating a primary entry into the lobby space discussed above, some arena uses (as

well as exterior signage and graphics) could potentially be integrated into the Hartford 21 retail

block."

The BOLD is mine. As I said, there is much innovative thinking in this document. I assume the inside/outside concept would mean you could go from Pratt to Allyn without ever going through a door. Moving from this feasibility study to financing and construction should happen pronto.

Edited February 2, 2008 by beerbeer

[mikel]

Given a NHL team would play mostly in winter, a covered plaza seems prudent. Here's how HOK potentially sees it.

"With the Hartford 21 tower and parking garage occupying the length of Asylum Street (between

Ann Street and Trumbull Street), the arena would have little presence along its southern edge.

However, the creation on an inside/outside public space that also functions as the main public

lobby for the arena is an intriguing thought which warrants further study. Conceptually, this

design feature could link the Ann Street District and Union Station to the Pratt Street District and

the heart of downtown

[beerbeer]

Good point mickel. Weather, what has that got to do with anything? Hartford, Honolulu, same thing. LOL.

[MadVlad]

Good point mickel. Weather, what has that got to do with anything? Hartford, Honolulu, same thing. LOL.

So say the Simpsons... great episode.

[mikel]

If you guys want a new arena you should fill the current one for Obama on Monday.

[The Voice of Reason]

If you guys want a new arena you should fill the current one for Obama on Monday.

How pray tell would filling an out dated hockey arena for a FREE rally for a political figure help get an arena? Do you think that if Obama gets nominated and then if he wins the presidency he would set up federal funding for an arena in Hartford? It seems that if we want an arena we should do the old fashined thing and write our political representatives and ask them to support the public funding side of it. Then we pray the private side of it is willing to invest in the arena, buy a team,and lease sky boxes.

[beerbeer]

The arena was full for Obama. So can we build this now?

[The Voice of Reason]

Thanks for posting those Beer, My only problem with those renderings is that HOK assumed 3 story buildings in all of thos flat parking lots.

I hope Lary G gives us 8 floors at the metrocenter. Allyn street I can deal with 3 floors, but there should definately be more density planned into any development.

I am hoping that the mayors investigation into corporate support is going well.

[zimbu1228]

Allyn street would be good just parking and low rise night clubs and restaurants, Metro center is perfect site for the tallest building in city(new england) imho.

[drc72]

Just as long as my taxes don't go up...

With all the budget surpluses the State has been seeing, there wouldn't need to be a tax increase. The new arena looks sleek and would fit in downtown nicely.

[beerbeer]

It doesn't matter what HOK assumed for properties they don't own or control. My guess is they used buildings that would flatter the arena illustration. High rises would have blocked the view.

[The Voice of Reason]

It doesn't matter what HOK assumed for properties they don't own or control. My guess is they used buildings that would flatter the arena illustration. High rises would have blocked the view.

I agree for the sake of the rendering, but in the text of the report they suggest small scale buildings as well. I do not mind small scale, but 3 storys is far too small for the Hartford CBD. There should even be a building code requiring at least 5 stories with retail on the ground floor within the CBD.

[MadVlad]

I agree for the sake of the rendering, but in the text of the report they suggest small scale buildings as well. I do not mind small scale, but 3 storys is far too small for the Hartford CBD. There should even be a building code requiring at least 5 stories with retail on the ground floor within the CBD.

I've been saying that for years.

[jcrc]

There should even be a building code requiring at least 5 stories with retail on the ground floor within the CBD.

That will just create a large supply of retail square footage without a corresponding increase in demand, i.e. no increase in shopper. Once upon a time Hartford had a lot of retail shops. They went away went residents moved out and malls opened. Hartford's problem is not lack of retail store front, it is lack of shopper.

[beerbeer]

jcrc - I think that is exactly correct. But there have been some steps to remedy that situation. A new HCC would also help in attracting a bigger crowd to the CBD.