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Second Tenant For Hartford’s Front Street?

By Kenneth R. Gosselin

July 17, 2012

The developer of downtown Hartford’s Front Street is expected to announce the signing of a second tenant within a month, according to James Abromaitis, executive director of the Capital Region Development Authority.

Abromaitis made the comment today during the first meeting of the CRDA, the organization created by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy to replace the Capital City Economic Development Authority and expand economic development efforts to the surrounding region.

My colleague Jenna Carlesso attended the meeting, reporting that Abromaitis would not name the second tenant. Abromaitis said the announcement had to be made by the developer, Greenwich-based HB Nitkin Group.

Abromaitis noted that “interest has increased in the development,” but he declined to provide details.

The speculation has been that Infinity Hall, the successful live music venue in Norfolk was seriously considering Front Street as a second location.

Jack Forchette, director of entertainment and business development for Infinity Hall, said Tuesday that the company has not signed on as a tenant.

“It’s still being considered, but there’s been no final decision made on our end here,” Forchette said. President Dan Hincks “hasn’t said yes, and he hasn’t said no,” he added. “I know he’s going to make a decision fairly soon.”

Forchette said he and Hincks had visited Hartford, touring Front Street and talking with city officials.

“This is not something being tossed around casually,” he said. “It was and is being looked at very seriously. We’d all love to see Hartford grow and expand.”

Peter Christian, Nitkin’s director of development, did not respond immediately to a call seeking comment.

Abromaitis also said the new movie theater at Front Street, the venue’s first tenant, is now well underway. It is likely the theater will open in early fall, rather than this summer as previously expected, along with a new parking garage.