West Hartford Gets Massive Grant To Redevelop Old UConn Site

WEST HARTFORD, CT — State officials have announced millions in funding to help 13 towns/cities redevelop properties, including West Hartford.

Gov. Ned Lamont recently announced his administration is releasing $28.2 million in state grants to support the remediation and assessment of 16 blighted properties.

He said this will bring more than 200 acres of land in 13 towns and cities back into "productive use," so they can be redeveloped and support the state’s economic growth, including through hundreds of new housing units.

In West Hartford, $6 million was awarded to support environmental cleanup at the 33.9-acre, privately owned site located at 1800 Asylum Ave., formerly occupied by the University of Connecticut (UConn).

Once cleaned, the site will be redeveloped to include 28 townhomes for purchase, 93 rental units, 87 assisted living units, and commercial spaces.

The grants are being released through the state Department of Economic and Community Development’s Brownfield Remediation and Development Program.

In total, this round of grants could leverage more than $354 million in private investments and lead to the creation of approximately 835 housing units, including 157 designated as affordable.

“By cleaning up blighted and vacant properties, we can put this land back into productive use in smart ways that support the growth of businesses and new jobs, and also to build new housing, which is significantly needed,” Lamont said.

“Through the remediation of these properties, we are creating new opportunities to revitalize neighborhoods and transform otherwise unusable lots into new spaces where businesses can thrive, and residents can live.”

“Our investments in these dormant, polluted sites are critical to helping communities capitalize on opportunities for reinvention,” said DECD Commissioner Daniel O’Keefe.

“This round of funding has a significant impact in many areas, especially in supporting the creation of new housing, which is crucial to furthering the economic progress we’ve achieved in recent years.”

For the full announcement of the grants, click on this link.

From Feb. 27, 2025: 'Massive West Hartford Development Clears Major Hurdle'