The city of Hartford is seeking buyers for the former two-story Braza restaurant building on Farmington Avenue.
Hartford’s department of development services recently invited developers and investors to submit proposals to buy and redevelop the city-owned, 4,600-square-foot restaurant building at 488 Farmington Ave. The fair market value of the property, estimated by a 2016 appraisal, is $688,300.
Braza, a Brazilian-style eatery, abruptly closed both its Farmington Avenue and Constitution Plaza locations in 2012. Its remaining location in Waterbury closed in 2015.
The Farmington Avenue building originally debuted in the mid 1920s as The Colonial Theater, and operated until 1984. It was later renovated for restaurant use in 2003.
According to a request for proposals (RFP), the city says it’s only considering proposals aimed at reusing the existing structure as a restaurant or another type of entertainment venue.
Proposed renovations to the site will be subject to review by the local planning and zoning and historic commissions. The façade of the building, however, must be preserved.
The RFP shows the ground level space features a dining area with about 40 seats and a full bar with lounge seating. The upper level includes another 46 seats, an office and additional space for parties. It also has outdoor patio seating, 70 surface parking spaces and a full kitchen located in the basement. All furniture, fixtures and equipment remain in place from Braza.
“The site represents an excellent development opportunity in the heart of Hartford’s west end neighborhood within close proximity to public transit, parks and entertainment,” the RFP states.
The city says it plans to either immediately select a firm or a short list of candidates for an interview process. Upon completion of a potential interview period, the city will determine which entity that offered “the best fits for the city’s needs.”
A pre-bid conference and open house is scheduled for July 8, at 10 a.m. The date may be subject to change due to COVID-19-related challenges. The deadline to submit proposals is Sept. 21.