The city of Hartford has selected one of three finalists to develop the Downtown North section and build a minor-league baseball stadium.
Mayor Pedro Segarra said Tuesday the city has chosen DoNo Hartford, LLC as the developer of the area just north of I-84 in Hartford.
Segarra will convene a special meeting of the Common Council on Thursday to listen to details on a resolution, which includes transferring 19 properties to DoNo Hartford, LLC for $1 each. There will be no vote on the resolution on Thursday, Segarra said.
"The ballpark has proven to be the catalyst that was needed to drive private investment and development of the Downtown North property. We have a developer who’s committed to investing over $350 million to create a vibrant mixed-use neighborhood that will better utilize long vacant and underperforming land and reconnect Hartford’s downtown with North Hartford," Segarra said in a statement on Tuesday evening. "The new ballpark will be paid for by private investment and revenues generated by the entire Downtown North development and will be a source of pride for neighbors and all City residents.”
Hartford received four proposals earlier this summer. Three plans – from CV Properties, the Hooker Brewing Company and Centerplan Development Company with Leyland Alliance – met the criteria for development.
CV Properties proposed a $217-million project, including a 6,000-seat stadium, brewery, residential and office space and a supermarket with covered parking, while the Hooker Brewing Company outlined a $16-million 40,000-square-foot stadium and beer garden.
The proposal selected by Hartford includes a $350-million development including a 6,000-seat stadium, Little League park, brewery and supermarket.
"We can't comment at this point but Centerplan continues to be very eager to work with the City of Hartford and invest in its future," said Yves-George A. Joseph II, vice president of development at Centerplan.
The resolution would authorize the city to lease back the ballpark from DoNo Hartford, LLC for an initial term of 25 years and then sublease it to Connecticut Double Play, LLC, the parent company of the New Britain Rock Cats.
The ball club would rent the stadium for $500,000 per year for the first 15 years of the deal and $600,000 for the final 10 years of the initial agreement.
