Pratt Street plan holds promise, but be patient

Pratt Street in Hartford is one of those darling thoroughfares that can define a city. Stretching just one block from Trumbull to Main, the street — once called Hartford’s Fifth Avenue — is at the center of the city, physically, culturally and historically.

Sadly, its potential has been unrealized for years. Despite its prime location and aesthetic appeal, retail tenants have come and gone, betting on a boom that was slow in coming.

But now, as the demand for downtown housing has steadily grown and new developments have appeared, it might be Pratt Street’s time.

A trio of developers has come forward with a $100 million plan to renovate buildings along the street and in the area that could bring hundreds of new rental units, new opportunities for retail and more.

The plan includes $20 million in state subsidies from the Capital Region Development Authority.

Is it a good investment? Is this the key to the making Hartford the so-called vibrant city everyone seems to want it to be?

It’s not the only key, but it could be part of the wider solution.

Hartford’s residential profile has improved in recent years. Old buildings are being renovated for residences, and the occupancy rate is high, along with demand. It turns out people are interested in living in the city — especially younger professionals. It’s a good sign, and it’s something to build upon.

In theory, more people living downtown will attract more retail, recreation and entertainment offerings, which could draw more people to the city and create a positive feedback loop. Done patiently, these steps lay the foundation for more to come.

And if the proposed Downtown North development becomes reality, the momentum might just take off.

Earlier this month, the Hartford City Council gave the green light to a developer’s plan to proceed with the 200,000-square-foot Downtown North mixeduse project, despite a looming trial between the city and the former developer of Dunkin’ Donuts Park that entangles the property. If the trial goes favorably for the city, construction could begin quickly, the developer said. It’s another positive sign for the city.

But this is a question of $20 million in taxpayer money, and a state investment in the city can’t be seen as something that benefits only the city — it must be good for the residents of Greater Hartford as a whole.

And it will be, if it helps make Hartford attractive not just as a place to live but as a place to visit for everyone in the region.

Downtown desperately needs more places where visitors, not just residents, can spend time shopping, eating and relaxing, at nights and on weekends.

Pratt Street has the potential to provide that. During the NCAA tournament in March, Pratt Street — converted into a pedestrian beer garden — was full to overflowing. It is closed to traffic regularly now, and pedestrians are finding it.

The idea of Pratt Street restored to its former glory is tantalizing. But it’s important to proceed patiently and carefully. The CRDA says it is closely monitoring the growth in residential development, and it should. Throwing money at questionable projects hasn’t always worked out well for Hartford.

It’s good to see developers willing to bet on the continued growth of downtown Hartford.

If only there were a properly refurbished XL Center.

In theory, more people living downtown will attract more retail, recreation and entertainment offerings, which could draw more people to the city.