Park Place Towers has been pioneering luxurious high-rise apartments in Hartford

In recent years, one demographic trend has become increasingly clear in many cities, including Hartford. People, young and old, but primarily young, are moving back to the nation’s urban centers.

There are many reasons for this shift in population patterns. Urban living places many of these people close to work, perhaps even within walking distance of their employment. It also means they are near a wide range of services, including restaurants, shops and stores, cultural events, banks, entertainment venues, and mass transit options.

As for housing in Hartford, Park Place Towers has been a pioneer in providing luxurious high-rise apartments with easy access to numerous urban

attractions. These twin towers, which are just two short blocks from I-84, are centrally located and within walking distance to downtown Hartford and the Capitol. City bus service is even closer, just steps away.

The two 25-story towers contain 451 apartments. Most are two-bedroom units, though about one-third have one bedroom. In addition, there are 11 units offering three bedrooms. Currently, there are some

two-bedroom and a limited number of one-bedroom units available.

Each of these apartments features an open and inviting floor plan, with a chef-friendly galley kitchen.

All but one unit has a pass-through from the fully equipped kitchen to the dining area, which makes entertaining easier. These apartments are visually appealing, with ample natural light from large doublepane windows highlighting layouts that delight the eye.

Bedrooms are roomy with ample closet space. Bathrooms are tiled with the two bedroom units featuring two full baths, making these ideal for young professionals willing to take on a roommate.

“We have an extremely varied tenant group,” John Scobie, the general manager, said. “It skews toward a younger population, but we have some residents who have been here since 1988,” when the two towers opened. Other longer-term residents have moved within Park Place Towers, vacating a one-bedroom apartment when a two-bedroom unit became available. Of special interest to many people, two bedroom units on the top four floors of both towers have a balcony, while all the units feature impressive city views.

Some of the residents, according to Scobie, are contract employees, with Park Place Towers able to supply furnished units for individuals on extended temporary assignments in Hartford. “We can also supply a housewares package. All you need is a suitcase,” Scobie said.

Residents will find an exceptionally wide array of services at Park Place Towers, starting with security measures that include a full-time concierge who

interacts with all visitors and announces them to the residents they will be seeing before they are allowed into the building. Closed circuit video feeds allow residents to verify the identity of each visitor.

The concierge will also receive packages, often as many as 80 per day in each tower, according Scobie. These deliveries are logged and stored in a secure area with resident notifications promptly issued. Dry cleaning deliveries are handled similarly.

Both towers have access to two lounges, one with a full kitchen. These are open to all the residents, but can also be reserved for those who wish to entertain large groups of friends and relatives.

In addition to the lounges, other amenities residents enjoy include use of a well-equipped fitness center, private parking in an attached and secure four-level garage, bicycle storage, access to additional storage space, and two business centers. These centers are located on the top floor of each tower. One center is reserved for conferences while the other is for quiet study.

Further setting this complex apart is the sense of community that has emerged among the residents. Park Place Towers promotes two large social gatherings each year, a holiday party and summer picnic, as well as many smaller activities, including movie nights, wine tastings, and talks on a variety of topics, such as personal finance. There are also sporting activities, including basketball, baseball and soccer, for those who wish to participate. Access to all of these programs and services is included at no extra charge, as are community-wide high-speed WiFi, heat, air conditioning, hot water, and parking for one car.

Nearby, residents will find easy access to live theater with the Bushnell, Hartford Stage and Theater Works within walking distance. Hartford’s Infinity Music Hall & Bistro as well as West Hartford’s Playhouse on Park are also nearby.

There are numerous area restaurants, easy access to food trucks, and the promise of developer Carlos Mouta’s Parkville Market food hall on the horizon. It, too, is within easy walking distance, just past the area’s shopping center. Park Place Towers is ideally located

for easy access to a wide range of activities.

Adding to its appeal, the grounds, which abut Pope Park, the buildings, and common areas, are scrupulously maintained. Even the halls leading to the apartments are bright, cheery and inviting. And, for those who also enjoy some suburban touches, residency also includes unfettered access to a private six-acre park with a walking trail, a heated seasonal outdoor swimming pool, and tennis courts. “Park Place Towers is where people will find an urban lifestyle with suburban amenities,” Scobie said. Residents may also have a pet cat.

All of this supports a compelling argument for making the move to Park Place Towers. However, the most compelling argument could be this: Thirty percent of the new residents based their move on the recommendation of a friend who is a current resident, Scobie said.