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October 15, 2024

Hartford moves to swap out developer of 78-unit, mixed-use project on public land

HBJ FILE PHOTO Rohan Freeman, CEO of Hartford-based The Freeman Cos.

A developer picked last year to build a 78-unit, mixed-use building on city-owned land off Albany Avenue is backing away from the project, but a well-known local developer and builder has been nominated to fill the gap.

Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam is asking the City Council to allow 7 Summits LLC – headed by Rohan A. Freeman – to take over the development proposed for blighted lots totaling 1.2 acres at 614 Albany Ave. and 88 Magnolia St. 

The request is on the city council agenda for a meeting scheduled on Tuesday.

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614 Albany Ave., Hartford.

Freeman is president of Freeman Companies, a Hartford-based land development, engineering design and environmental services firm founded in 2009 that has collaborated on high-profile projects including the $26 million, 126-unit “Park & Main” mixed-use development and the $14 million redevelopment of Dillon Stadium.

In December 2023, the City Council signed off on Mayor Luke Bronin’s request to pick Andaleeb Enterprises LLC as the preferred developer for the 1.2-acre site along Albany Avenue.

Andaleeb, represented by Amber “Ace” Andaleeb, had proposed a $30.4 million, 78-unit apartment building with about 12,000 square feet of commercial and amenity space on the ground floor.

Now that Andaleeb is backing away from the project, Freeman’s LLC – which was collaborating on the project – has offered to take over. The now-$31.4 million project would result in a 78-unit building with about 8,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial and amenity space.

Andaleeb has waived its interest in the project, according to information shared with the council.

Amber “Ace” Andaleeb, reached Monday, said his company is too absorbed by other projects.

HBJ PHOTO | MICHAEL PUFFER
Amber “Ace” Andaleeb

“We can’t dedicate the attention the 614 Albany Ave. project currently requires,” Andaleeb said. “We are happy that 7 Summits is doing it and rooting for the development to move forward.”

Attempts to reach Freeman were not immediately successful. 

Arulampalam said Albany Avenue is a "key landmark," and described the planned development as stepping stone toward robust infrastructure and a revitalized urban core. 

"We are confident that this step will ensure that this project movesforward and meets the needs of the community and creates opportunities for local businesses, provides affordable housing and benefits the residents who call this area home," Arulampalam said. 

 


 

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