Grill of the city
Peter Stevens
president
JCJ Architecture
In the capital city of Hartford, “we’ve seen a growing trend toward adaptive reuse projects, which are tied to the historical significance of the region,” says Stevens.
Despite the “careful scrutiny” required, the projects are considered “a strategic option” because they can use existing inventory, such as commercial office space, rather than start new construction, he says. Health care is also growing, with more facility expansions, Stevens says, “a response to … network consolidation and increased demand for medical facilities in the wake of the pandemic.”
Residential construction is also in “high demand” but faces inflation, rising costs and labor shortages, among other challenges, he says. This prompts developers and contractors to consider modular construction and other alternative methods, as well as new material options to increase project timelines.
“We expect the Hartford market to flatten out and begin to move forward as interest rates either hold steady or begin to adjust downward in the third quarter/fourth quarter,” says Stevens. While the demand definitely exists, “the real test is in the financial viability of each project.”
