UConn Hartford Welcomes First On-Campus Residents, Expanding University Footprint
The University of Connecticut (UConn) has taken a significant step in expanding its presence in downtown Hartford by opening student housing near its regional campus. This move marks a new chapter for the university and the city, with hopes of fostering a vibrant college town atmosphere.
Temporary Housing Opens Doors
Currently, 38 students, including three resident assistants, are among the first to reside in the newly converted apartment building on Main Street, directly across from city hall. This temporary housing solution addresses a pressing need for student accommodation, particularly given housing constraints at the main Storrs campus. Amy Casazola, a first-year student from Newington, expressed initial disappointment at not securing housing in Storrs but quickly embraced the opportunity to live in Hartford. “I was a little upset that I didn’t get to do housing in Storrs, but then they offered me housing (in Hartford), and I took it,” Casazola said. “I was, like, afraid of missing out, but there’s nothing to miss out on. There are so many things to do here.”
Long-Term Vision: Pratt Street Residence Hall
Looking ahead, UConn is constructing a permanent residence hall on Pratt Street, just four blocks north of the current location. This facility, slated to open in the fall of 2026, will accommodate up to 200 students, further solidifying UConn’s commitment to its Hartford campus.
A Catalyst for Urban Revitalization
City and UConn officials envision the presence of UConn students in downtown Hartford as a catalyst for urban revitalization. The goal is to create a more balanced community that is less reliant on corporate employers and more appealing to a diverse population. Mark Overmyer-Velázquez, dean of the Hartford regional campus, emphasized the significance of this development, stating, “As a campus, this is a whole new stage for us on a small scale for us this year.” He added, “We are looking forward to Pratt Street and even more students being able to do this and then everything that comes from that — 24/7 opportunities — so we’re real excited about this.”
Addressing Housing Needs
The decision to offer student housing in downtown Hartford came a year earlier than anticipated, driven by a significant housing shortage at the Storrs campus. Once the Pratt Street residence hall is complete, UConn will assess the demand for housing at both locations to determine the long-term housing strategy.
Building a Community
Since the regional campus opened in 2017, UConn has expanded its facilities, including space above the PeoplesBank Arena, and invested in the $28 million residence hall project. Casazola, for one, is already considering making Hartford a more permanent part of her UConn experience. “Right now, I might want to stay in Hartford,” Casazola said. “I was thinking about being an RA here.”
Growing Interest in Downtown Living
Taj Julien, UConn’s residence hall director, noted that interest in downtown Hartford student housing grew steadily. “It was a trickling kind of interest,” Julien said. “At first, I think people were not quite clear on the fact that we have housing here. At first it was a little bit difficult to get the word out there, but once we did, people were interested in coming, and we still have people trickling in. They are getting housed right now.”
The Donaghue: A Temporary Home
UConn’s lease at 525 Main St., now known as “The Donaghue” in honor of the prominent Hartford family that previously owned the building, extends for the current academic year with the possibility of renewal. The university has leased three floors, each capable of housing up to 19 students, for a total capacity of 57 students. The cost per floor is $172,800.
Housing Costs and Amenities
The student housing rates are as follows:
- Standard Double (1 bedroom, 2 students): $11,734
- Standard Single (1 bedroom, 1 person): $13,888
Students residing in these apartments have the option to purchase UConn meal plans, offering either five or ten meals per week at a cost of $1,660 or $2,940, respectively. The location is also conveniently located near the renovated Hartford Times building, the central hub of the campus, where a new café is scheduled to open soon and will accept the UConn meal plan.
The apartments themselves are well-appointed, featuring quartz countertops and bathrooms with waterfall showers and massage jets. As student resident Aleysha Ortiz remarked, “What dorm room has a dishwasher?”
A Student’s Perspective
Ortiz, who previously filed a lawsuit against the city, sees this as an opportunity to showcase the potential of her hometown. “When it comes to Hartford, there’s a lot of mixed reviews,” Ortiz said. “I’m very happy to see that other students will get to experience the city and see we are just them. And if you come into the city and talk to neighbors, you’ll see how amazing and strong the community is.”
Investment in Downtown Development
The conversion of the four-story structure at 525 Main, a former municipal building, was a nearly $8 million project undertaken by a partnership that included Daniel Klaynberg, president of Spectra Construction and Development. The project was partially financed by a $2.1 million, low-cost loan of city funds managed by the Capital Region Development Authority.
Future Growth
The $28 million project to convert office space at 64 Pratt St. into a permanent residence hall is partly funded by $5 million in grants, including $2 million from the city of Hartford and $3 million from state funds earmarked for improving Connecticut’s urban centers. The state has also approved a $10 million, low-interest loan from CRDA.
The project involves converting an annex in the office building at 242 Trumbull St., a four-story structure accessible from Pratt Street. A key feature of the building is its spacious atrium, which will provide amenities and gathering spaces for students.
A Symbiotic Relationship
Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam emphasized the importance of the relationship between the city and the university during the opening ceremonies. “When students step out of these residence halls, they are going to step into a campus that is part of UConn,” Arulampalam said. “The city is going to be a part of UConn — much like New York is for NYU students, like Boston is for BU students.”
