Blue Back Square

Significant Challenges. Momentous Success.

The Chrusciel Group was approached to oversee this large scale, mixed-use development already in progress in the center of West Hartford, CT. This high-stakes project—the largest single development project in West Hartford’s history—had to be open for business in 26 months, was already over budget and only partially designed. The conditions were less than ideal.

This project was the result of a public/private partnership. The Town of West Hartford was the arbiter of codes and permits as well as one of the clients. The client group also included two developers and an investor.

The Chrusciel Group had its marching orders. We rolled up our sleeves and got to work. The first order of business was to manage the completion of the design work. Then we tackled the permitting process—complex given the mixed use nature of the development. Then, of course, we were on the ground managing the construction.

Day-to-day administration of the project meant negotiating the differences between the details on paper and the realities of the built environment, as well as managing the resulting financial implications. This project required a daily exercise in swift, accurate judgment and decision-making with a touch of diplomacy between contractors, the Town, tenants and landlord.

Ultimately, the project was a huge success. Blue Back Square launched on time, complete with condominiums, apartments, retail, a movie theater and underground public parking. It won awards from the Connecticut Building Congress and [to come]. Retail spaces are currently full, the condominiums are sold out and the apartments have a three year wait list.