The quasi-public Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) in recent years has converted run-down Hartford office buildings into about 2,500 new apartment units. Michael Freimuth and Suzanne Hopgood have led those efforts.
Both Freimuth, executive director of CRDA, and Hopgood, chair of its board of directors, stepped into leadership roles at the economic development agency with backing from former Gov. Dannel P. Malloy. The state legislature created the agency in 2010.
Their staying power since then reflects the significant impact they’ve had on Hartford’s redevelopment efforts.
Under Freimuth and Hopgood, CRDA in recent years helped redevelop Dillon Stadium, complete The Front Street District, which is home to UConn Hartford and part of the larger Adriaen’s Landing revitalization project downtown, and helped finance about 2,500 apartment units.
It’s currently working on opening a sports betting facility in the XL Center and revitalizing Hartford’s Parkville neighborhood in partnership with developer Carlos Mouta and the city.
There are a few CRDA-backed projects that will debut or break ground this year, including the first phase of the North Crossing mixed-use development near Dunkin’ Donuts Park that will yield 270 apartments in the first half of 2022.
Redevelopment of the historic 55 Elm St. office building in downtown Hartford into 164 apartments as well as coworking space and a restaurant is also scheduled to begin in the first half of the year.