Belarussian-born Joseph Klaynberg arrived in America four decades ago with a master’s degree from the Moscow State University of Civil Engineering and about $140 in his pocket.
From those humble beginnings, Klaynberg built up a powerful construction firm and real estate portfolio in New York. Klaynberg also partnered with others over the past decade to build a downtown Hartford portfolio of 559 market-rate apartments.
Klaynberg’s son, Daniel, now leads the family’s investments in Hartford as head of Spectra Construction and Development, a venture he said also includes a partnership with West Hartford-based Levy Properties.
Spectra is now working to finalize the purchase of a municipal building at 525 Main St., and a former firehouse at 275 Pearl St. Once remodeled, the two properties will contain a combined 78 apartments, with first-floor retail. The Klaynbergs estimate a two- to three-year construction schedule.