Property Week of the
Bushnell Tower offers world-class architecture, incredible views, and convenience
Since its construction in 1969, Bushnell Tower, a luxury high-rise condominium that soars 27 stories above Main and Gold Streets, has helped define the Hartford skyline. But it is more than its height that demands attention. Visually, and from any angle, it is intriguing and pleasing, a hallmark of the buildings designed by famed architect I. M. Pei, who has been sought out to create notable structures around the world. These include the Louvre Pyramid in Paris and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland.
Indeed, real estate agent Rebecca Koladis notes that the allure of living in an I. M. Pei home has prompted some of the current residents to purchase a Bushnell Tower condominium. PBS calls his body of work “astounding” and his buildings “masterpieces.”
A tour of Bushnell Tower supports this assessment. The lobby is large, high and welcoming. Just beyond, a bank of elevators stands ready to whisk residents to their home in the tower, such as Unit 9AB, which is now available for purchase.
“This is a double unit,” Koladis said as she unlocked the door. The space that this merger of two units provides, however, may not be noticed immediately. Instead, it is the spellbinding view to the west, overseeing Bushnell Park, the Connecticut Capitol, and the hills beyond West Hartford that captures the eye. Large windows serve to merge the interior living space with the cityscape beyond. “It’s really beautiful,” said Koladis, “and at night it sparkles.”
If the perspective gained from inside this unit is not enough, a balcony that comfortably seats two or three people provides an even more compelling panoramic view. “This is really an ideal height to take in the view from the balcony,” Koladis said. The ninth floor is high enough to take maximum advantage of the scenery, but not so high as to cause discomfort in some people, she explained.
The home’s entry hall provides access to a closet, a full bath with a tub, and built-in open shelving for displays. This unit has several built-in display and storage cabinets that blend beautifully with the architecture. These are staying with the unit.
Just beyond the entry hall is the living room, with its magnificent views and a wall of cabinets for storage and displays. It is open to the dining room, which gives this open floor plan a feeling of space that is expanded by those views to the west.
Completing these public areas is the kitchen. It is compact, but large enough to make entertaining easy. There is also space in the kitchen for a small table that could accommodate informal dining. The appliances are all high-end units and the kitchen counter and backsplash are stainless steel. Aesthetically, this turns out to be a perfect match for the building. Dinner parties and family gettogethers could not ask for a better venue.
The primary bedroom features a wall with more built-in storage cabinets and shelving, access to a full bath, two walk-in closets and more of those magnificent views to the west. For privacy, this bedroom comes with power shades that can be operated by remote control. Its bathroom features a large tiled shower. The second bedroom is now used as an office. It has generous closet space and a window with an exceptional view to the south.
This unit includes two parking spaces in the secure indoor garage beneath the building. Access is gained using the elevators. Additional locked storage is also available for residents. The employees at the front desk not only provide security 24 hours a day, they also handle mail for residents, accept packages, and log in guests.
The location at 1 Gold Street is exceptionally convenient. It is within walking distance of literally thousands of jobs in downtown Hartford. The Travelers
Tower, the Gold Building, offices along State Street and other office locations, including many of those associated with the state, are just minutes away on foot. The Wadsworth Atheneum, America’s oldest public art museum, is across the street, as is the Hartford Public Library. Also within walking distance are great restaurants, the Bushnell with it performances, and a wide range of services. Festivities held in Bushnell Park are not only close, they can be joined easily by either crossing Wells Street or watched from the balcony. Slide the balcony door open and music from the jazz festival will flow in, Koladis said.
This close proximity to work, recreational, and cultural events means that many residents need only one car. Others abandon vehicle ownership entirely preferring to call a ride sharing service when they need to travel beyond the area that is easily reached by foot or served by mass transit.
“We actually have quite a lot of interest in these properties from New York City residents,” Koladis said. These condominiums seem downright inexpensive when compared to New York City properties, and Bushnell Tower is close to Union Station, which provides easy options for train travel to New York City.
Residents will band together to attend some Yard Goat games, which are also within walking distance, and they hold some gatherings throughout the year at which old friends can catch up while making new friends. Pet owners should note that one pet is allowed.
In the final analysis, however, “It’s all about the view,” Koladis said. “It’s all about the view.”