Print

Reconstruction Starts On Phoenix Plaza As Part Of Hartford's iQuilt Plan

By MATTHEW STURDEVANT

August 30, 2012

The Phoenix Cos. said Wednesday it has started an $8 million renovation to the plaza around its trademark Boat Building, built 49 years ago.

The boutique life insurer and annuity company said that most of the sections currently covered by brick will be replaced with "environmentally friendly planted areas." Structural work will be done this year. Plants and finishing details will be done next year, said company spokeswoman Alice Ericson.

This is of several projects underway related to Hartford's iQuilt plans to blend together downtown destinations in a way that's more attractive to pedestrians. The iQuilt project intends to integrate the city's institutions, cultural sites, museums, performance spaces, landmarks, architecture and public art.

Phoenix's plaza, which is the roof of the insurer's ground-level offices, was last renovated almost 30 years ago.

"It's important to note that this project is fundamentally a much-needed roof replacement (for our ground-level offices), and that topping it off with green material does not add to the expense — in fact, it is more economical than replacing the existing pavers," Ericson said.