A $4.4 million redevelopment project in Hartford’s Parkville neighborhood is expected to bring hundreds of jobs to the area, according to the developer.
The future food marketplace, called “Parkville Market,” is located at 1400 Park St. and is scheduled to open in early 2020.
Its developer, Carlos Mouta, partnered with the Capital Region Development Authority to get a $3.5 million construction loan that made the redevelopment possible.
“I want this to feel like a main street that fits in Parkville,” said Mouta’s daughter, Chelsea Mouta, who acts as the market’s director of operations. “I want it to feel like Park Street feels up the road-- where you can walk and hit your butcher, your coffee shop, and your local restaurant.”
Carlos Mouta said he has developed over 1,000,000-square feet in the neighborhood, where he immigrated to from Mozambique in 1979 as a teenager.
“This is my home,” explained Mouta, who said about 80 percent of his projects are in town.
The Moutas said they hope to make Parkville Market a reflection of the vibrant and diverse neighborhood that surrounds it. The space, which was originally built over 100 years ago, will be home to 50 vendors.
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“Ceviche is seafood marinated in lime juice and then served with potato and corn,” explained Kate Colan, whose food business “Ceviche Bowls” will be an affordable option at the new market.
Colan thinks the traditional Peruvian dish will be a hit in Hartford.
“We would like to introduce it to a different clientele that maybe don’t know about ceviche, because it’s very light and healthy,” she told NBC Connecticut.
“I think it’s a great idea,” said John Alvarez, who has lived in the neighborhood for 30 years, of the redevelopment. “Especially for the younger people, the ones that have come out of college recently-- they have no employment.”
“It will help the economy in this region,” said Alberto Cruz, another Parkville-native. “Lately a lot of places have been closed and opening a place like this it will open a lot of opportunity for a lot of people.”
Other neighbors told NBC Connecticut they’re concerned about new developments in Parkville making the cost of living something they won’t be able to afford.
“I’m worried about the new development, because at the same time it might bring jobs, but it might dip into your pocket,” said Keyton Edwards.
