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June 15, 2023

UConn eyes downtown Hartford expansion at XL Center

Peter Morenus/UConn UConn's downtown Hartford campus on Front Street in the former Hartford Times building.
By Greg Bordonaro

UConn, which opened its $140 million downtown Hartford campus in 2017, is eyeing an expansion of its center-city presence. 

Tucked into the state’s massive two-year, $7.5 billion bond package bill passed on the last day of the legislative session is a $5 million allocation for UConn to acquire or lease property at the XL Center for academic space. 

No further details were provided about the potential deal in the bonding bill. 

According to UConn spokeswoman Stephanie Reitz, UConn will be looking at potential uses for the XL Center space, but no firm plans have been established. 

However, early talks have already begun between the state’s flagship university and the Capital Region Development Authority about the expansion, according to CRDA Executive Director Michael Freimuth.

He said plans are in the early stages but should pick up now that the state budget is in place. The school is looking to add academic programs and other associated services in three possible XL Center locations, including space previously leased by the University of St. Joseph’s pharmacy program, which was relocated to the school’s main West Hartford campus last year. 

UConn could also consider using surplus spaces within the XL Center itself, or the nearby Hilton Hotel property at 315 Trumbull St., which is converting into a mixed-use DoubleTree by Hilton hotel and apartments.

UConn already has a significant downtown Hartford presence with its graduate business school in Constitution Plaza and satellite campus on Front Street, which exists in the former Hartford Times building. 

Meantime, the XL Center is also being targeted for a potential major renovation. The recently passed state budget outlines plans for a $100 million-plus renovation of the XL Center using both public and private funding. 
 

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