OT: Hard Rock Hartford

[8893]

I'll tell you something that has never helped Hartford, the suck attitude from the majority of CT. residents towards it's state capital. All I hear is the suburbanites talking about how the city has no redeeming qualities and is more dangerous than Fallujah. It's certainly one thing I've never missed since leaving Connecticut, the attitudes of so many residents is just piss poor. Instead of constantly bashing Hartford why not drive in and seek out some of the culture it offers and spend a little money to support it's merchants.

I am there often, spending more than a little money on its restaurants, shops and all forms of entertainment and cultural offerings for around 35 years. Having spent a lot of time in Bridgeport, New Haven and NYC, I've never been remotely concerned about my personal safety in Hartford.

But the fact remains that it has very little pulse and never has had much during the time I've been frequenting it. It is the Nation's File Cabinet--the Insurance City--and it lives "up" to that reputation.

The developer is Bob Landino, who has had an incredibly successful career doing exactly this sort of thing.

I think there is a fair difference of opinion about that. River Sound Development/The Preserve and CollegePlace being just a few examples.

There is no doubt that he has made himself a lot of money in the process, and since he was a state legislator he has made very effective use of government tax and loan subsidies to help carry several huge projects. How those projects ultimately fare is another question.

 

[huskiesouth]

They're building a hotel and and restaurant and you want a Burger Fi instead?

You might be a hayseed, Jim.

Hartford is our state's capital and has been hurting for a very long time. Should this venture succeed it's a positive thing, Connecticut needs optimism and dumping on an idea simply because it is proposed for Hartford (or any other struggling city with a shrinking tax base) produces negative (Kelly's Heroes) vibes. For example the Hard Rock Café in Copenhagen is not in a great area but has a waiting-line crowd every night - hopefully this investment will succeed.

 

[8893]

Hartford is our state's capital and has been hurting for a very long time. Should this venture succeed it's a positive thing, Connecticut needs optimism and dumping on an idea simply because it is proposed for Hartford (or any other struggling city with a shrinking tax base) produces negative (Kelly's Heroes) vibes. For example the Hard Rock Café in Copenhagen is not in a great area but has a waiting-line crowd every night - hopefully this investment will succeed.

Speaking only for myself, I wasn't dumping on the idea because it is proposed for Hartford, a struggling city. I don't think it's a good idea in 2015 here, period. Certainly not in any CT city. It was an interesting restaurant concept here 25-30 years ago.

 

[superjohn]

Yeah, OK, this will last
I hate being a downer BUT does anything ever last in Hartford anymore? - are there enough moving back into the city - ones that will make and spend money?
The city has changed so much that even icons like Sage Allen and GFox have disappeared. (I know - the boxstores, malls and the suburbs)
With demographics being what they are - who is going to support the ballpark and the new Hard Rock.
They haven't even played one game and they think that perhaps the stadium will be a draw?
I just don't get it- even more, I question the sanity of the person who is developing this LONGSHOT

Seriously, what kind of post is this? Sage Allen and G Fox? Yup they were something else in the 1950's, do you seriously not realize that all the stores around the country like GFox closed shop decades ago. What do you mean when you say, "with demographics being what they are?" Hartford apartments are at like 97% occupied. You sound like a bitter old relic.

 

[tdrink]

Sunday? more like 6 pm. haha

Feel the beat of Hartford.


They should bring back that commerical

Back in the day, Sunday was the best night of the week in Hartford. I forget the location but The Zywacks played there every sunday. Could not get enough of that band and their songs like Interacial Bi-girls Get It On.

 

[minidarren]

I regularly travel 30 minutes from my home to Hartford for dinner. I enjoy the non chain restaurants the city has to offer.

 

[BigErnMcCracken]

I haven't heard anyone talk about "Sage Allen" since my grandmother died.

 

[Dove]

I haven't heard anyone talk about "Sage Allen" since my grandmother died.

Aw man. Sad to hear about your gram

 

[Ewekon]

There's going to be a Blockbuster next door.

 

[BigErnMcCracken]

Aw man. Sad to hear about your gram

It's been two decades. I'm coming to terms with it. But thanks.

 

[FartMan69]

There's going to be a Blockbuster next door.

 

[dogpause]

Hard Rock was supposed to break ground in Daytona Beach more than two years ago; it still has not happened.

http://www.wftv.com/news/news/local/daytona-beach-residents-wonder-when-hard-rock-hote/nnbk4/

 

[EdgewoodNHV]

I think overall it's good for Hartford and I do think Hartford is on the upswing. The Science Center is pretty rad, I think the minor league park is cool. I know plenty of young UConn graduates who moved to the West End of Hartford semi-recently and enjoy living in a relatively urban environment and enjoy going to Tisane, Half Door, etc.

I also really like the area by Front/Arch St, with Bear's BBQ, NXIS, Ted's, Infinity Hall. I think UConn Hartford is absolutely going to help, too.

I still far prefer New Haven, but for many of my young professional friends who work in/around Hartford (for instance, ESPN is a huge employer in central CT), Hartford is slowly getting better, and I think that's a great thing.

As a culture, we are moving away from the suburbs and towards the cities. We like walking to stuff and realizing that driving cars everywhere isn't sustainable (or fun). We like being a part of a community and enjoy the cultural offerings of even small cities. New Haven is growing for the same reason.

If you're thinking about Sage Allen or G Fox, you're about two decades behind the curve on this one.

 

[Buffett10]

I'll tell you something that has never helped Hartford, the suck attitude from the majority of CT. residents towards it's state capital. All I hear is the suburbanites talking about how the city has no redeeming qualities and is more dangerous than Fallujah. It's certainly one thing I've never missed since leaving Connecticut, the attitudes of so many residents is just piss poor. Instead of constantly bashing Hartford why not drive in and seek out some of the culture it offers and spend a little money to support it's merchants.

exactly. People think all of Hartford is ghetto. I frequent downtown Hartford VERY often couple times a week. Spend a bunch of money down there. I love the way they are improving Hartford. I said something to my brother a couple months ago about how this is the busiest I have EVER seen Hartford at 8pm on a non XL Center night. Yes it wasn't crowded like Boston or NYC. But there was a pretty good amount of people just walking around, sitting at benches, exercising or just hanging out. Its amazing the stigma Hartford gets. Oh yeah and yes most of the people seen were all "White" So everyone can stop with "How Hartford is dangerous and full of crime" I don't feel scared at all walking around. Yes certain parts of the city I wouldn't go to. But then again why would anyone want to go to residential areas without knowing anyone? Hoping there is more people like me out there and give Hartford a shot. Who knows you might love what they are doing down there like I did. Sorry for the rant. Like you I'm so sick of people saying Hartford is so trashy and nothing to do. There is plenty to do down there. Go explore. This isn't your Hartford from 15 years ago anymore.

 

[8893]

I think overall it's good for Hartford and I do think Hartford is on the upswing. The Science Center is pretty rad, I think the minor league park is cool. I know plenty of young UConn graduates who moved to the West End of Hartford semi-recently and enjoy living in a relatively urban environment and enjoy going to Tisane, Half Door, etc.

I also really like the area by Front/Arch St, with Bear's BBQ, NXIS, Ted's, Infinity Hall. I think UConn Hartford is absolutely going to help, too.

I still far prefer New Haven, but for many of my young professional friends who work in/around Hartford (for instance, ESPN is a huge employer in central CT), Hartford is slowly getting better, and I think that's a great thing.

As a culture, we are moving away from the suburbs and towards the cities. We like walking to stuff and realizing that driving cars everywhere isn't sustainable (or fun). We like being a part of a community and enjoy the cultural offerings of even small cities. New Haven is growing for the same reason.

If you're thinking about Sage Allen or G Fox, you're about two decades behind the curve on this one.

I enjoyed living in the West End 20+ years ago and it has gotten much better since then.

I agree with you about the Front Street development. I have no idea about the extent of the subsidies and how sustainable the businesses there will remain once they expire (if they do), but I think they have a good selection and quality of businesses there and I like going there for shows, food and drinks.

I'm happy to see more smart development in all of Connecticut's cities. My issue with Hard Rock Cafe is that it last seemed relevant in the same era when Sage Allen and G. Fox were. Unless something has changed there recently, my observation/experience in the past decade or so has been mediocre/overpriced chain restaurant food and drink mixed with medium value/interest rock memorabilia. Not a destination imo, but a place to be stuck when more interesting options are unavailable.

 

[August_West]

exactly. People think all of Hartford is ghetto. I frequent downtown Hartford VERY often couple times a week. Spend a bunch of money down there. I love the way they are improving Hartford. I said something to my brother a couple months ago about how this is the busiest I have EVER seen Hartford at 8pm on a non XL Center night. Yes it wasn't crowded like Boston or NYC. But there was a pretty good amount of people just walking around, sitting at benches, exercising or just hanging out. Its amazing the stigma Hartford gets. Oh yeah and yes most of the people seen were all "White" So everyone can stop with "How Hartford is dangerous and full of crime" I don't feel scared at all walking around. Yes certain parts of the city I wouldn't go to. But then again why would anyone want to go to residential areas without knowing anyone? Hoping there is more people like me out there and give Hartford a shot. Who knows you might love what they are doing down there like I did. Sorry for the rant. Like you I'm so sick of people saying Hartford is so trashy and nothing to do. There is plenty to do down there. Go explore. This isn't your Hartford from 15 years ago anymore.

Here is my take (filtered through the myopic lens of a working musician). Hartford has some great restaurants and some pretty cool cultural offerings. I have noticed an improvement over the last 5 years. The thing is that those cool cultural offerings and high end restaurants attract an older demographic. Older demographics will go out and spend decent money, but not with a frequency that makes a city seem vibrant. A city will only ever be as strong as its ability to attract young people. They may spend less money per night, but they go out way more frequently. Last Friday night I was on Crown Street in New Haven and at 8:00 pm that street and the cross streets were teaming with people. Going out to eat, maybe a beer or two, and then they end up at the clubs either dancing or going to see live music. I never get that same vibe in Hartford. Not in Union place, not anywhere. West Hartford center, maybe but that aint Hartford, and that is for the "deep pocket" crowd anyway. Through the 80's and early 90's Hartford had the best entertainment options in the state. More bars that attracted more bands which in turn attracted young people. From the late 90's through 2010 for whatever reason, the city absolutely died. National touring bands on their way up dont usually stop in Hartford. ( look at what College Street Music Hall is getting in New Haven in the last couple months. or FTC in Fairfield. None of those acts stop in Hartford). As a rule in my business, you want to play where the people will go see you. In my case and in many of my local peers case that is not in Hartford. You would be hard pressed to name anything besides Arch Street that features local live music that live music aficionados would go to attend in any regularity. When I want to hit the Hartford Market I end up playing Manchester. We do better there than we do in downtown Hartford. Hartford really needs to work on attracting young people back. The Hard Rock Cafe and a Minor League baseball team dont seem like the recipe to me. Just more of the same. I think overall it helps the cities image, sure. It wont hurt having a Hard Rock hotel, it wont hurt having a cool inner city baseball stadium, but I dont think it will move the needle on the issues Im describing.

 

[Deepster]

I love the comments about Hartford being a safe city and the sentiment that the worry over crime is foolish.

As of a month or two ago, Hartford had the most murders of the 9 largest cities in New England. As of September, Hartford had 24 murders and Boston had 23 (with a population 5X greater). Where the new park is going in? It's only a couple blocks before the neighborhood deteriorates rapidly. There was 3 murders this spring on Belden and Donald St which are 0.3-0.5 m away from where the new stadium is going. So you never felt scared walking from the Civic Center to the parking garage a block away? Doesn't mean Hartford isn't Murdertown.

 

[Palatine]

People judge Hartford like they judge Brimah. They get all over it for what it is not. People think its competitive set is New York and Boston, cities that dwarf it. It compares very favorably to places like Sacramento and Des Moines and Albany. I've heard people gush about Providence which is basically a mall that sets its river on fire. None of those cities are close to Hartford for history (Mark Twain House, Old State House, Colt,) culture (Wadsworths) Music venues from large to small like the Webster, to Meadows, Infinity, Both Bushnell Auditoriums, There is a high end theater scene between the Bushnell, Hartford Stage and theater works. Throw in the riverfront, Front Street, the civic center the new ball park. I could go on, this is off the top of my head.

Compared to other cities of 100,00 people the place is off the hook. But it doesn't get enough rebounds.

 

[8893]

National touring bands on their way up dont usually stop in Hartford. ( look at what College Street Music Hall is getting in New Haven in the last couple months. or FTC in Fairfield. None of those acts stop in Hartford). As a rule in my business, you want to play where the people will go see you. In my case and in many of my local peers case that is not in Hartford. You would be hard pressed to name anything besides Arch Street that features local live music that live music aficionados would go to attend in any regularity.

Infinity Hartford is a nice venue that is getting decent regional/national talent, or at least it was. I haven't checked their calendar recently, but I liked attending a show there. Good food, very good beers, nice room. Arch St., where I have also seen some very good shows, is right there, too, making for a decent little music area.

 

[August_West]

Infinity Hartford is a nice venue that is getting decent regional/national talent, or at least it was. I haven't checked their calendar recently, but I liked attending a show there. Good food, very good beers, nice room. Arch St., where I have also seen some very good shows, is right there, too, making for a decent little music area.

I mentioned Arch Street as really the only currently viable place.

Infinity has put on some decent stuff, but with nowhere near the regularity of College Street and FTC and while I had a good experience there too, they are charging exorbitantly prohibitive prices there that are seeming to put a damper on peoples enthusiasm for going there.
For example Max Creek played there not too long ago, with fees a ticket was 40 bucks. I can see Creek in a lot of places for never less than 15 and never more than 25.

 

[8893]

I mentioned Arch Street as really the only currently viable place.

Infinity has put on some decent stuff, but with nowhere near the regularity of College Street and FTC and while I had a good experience there too, they are charging exorbitantly prohibitive prices there that are seeming to put a damper on peoples enthusiasm for going there.
For example Max Creek played there not to long ago, with fees a ticket was 40 bucks. I can see Creek in a lot of places for never less than 15 and never more than 25.

Yeah I just checked their calendar since posting and, while there are some decent shows coming up, they seem to be fewer and farther between than when they first opened (when CSMH and FTC's Warehouse didn't exist). Lots of "tribute" bands now, which is not a good direction.

 

[James]

Downtown hartfords pretty safe. however there are a ton of unruly homeless people toward the south end/ hh area ( xl center + bar scene is full of yuppies usually) . For instance a coworker of mine was assaulted a year ago leaving work right near bushnell park. then this other lady i work with got jacked for her mobile phone in broad daylight in the middle of bushnell park. waxes and wanes but i feel generally safe in hartford as long as i'm not walking around washington st at 11 pm or standing on the corner of sigourney and albany.

 

[Waquoit]

Infinity is great, but the acts coming in skew older than a place like College Street.

 

[Deepster]

None of those cities are close to Hartford for history (Mark Twain House, Old State House, Colt,) culture (Wadsworths) Music venues from large to small like the Webster, to Meadows, Infinity, Both Bushnell Auditoriums, There is a high end theater scene between the Bushnell, Hartford Stage and theater works. Throw in the riverfront, Front Street, the civic center the new ball park. I could go on, this is off the top of my head.

When was the last time anyone here spent a day at the Mark Twain House or the Old State House?

 

[August_West]

When was the last time anyone here spent a day at the Mark Twain House or the Old State House?

Harriet Beecher Stowe house could upgrade with some craft Double IPAs and some brick oven pizza and we may be onto something .

 

[WhiteDressWes]

Here is my take (filtered through the myopic lens of a working musician). Hartford has some great restaurants and some pretty cool cultural offerings. I have noticed an improvement over the last 5 years. The thing is that those cool cultural offerings and high end restaurants attract an older demographic. Older demographics will go out and spend decent money, but not with a frequency that makes a city seem vibrant. A city will only ever be as strong as its ability to attract young people. They may spend less money per night, but they go out way more frequently. Last Friday night I was on Crown Street in New Haven and at 8:00 pm that street and the cross streets were teaming with people. Going out to eat, maybe a beer or two, and then they end up at the clubs either dancing or going to see live music. I never get that same vibe in Hartford. Not in Union place, not anywhere. West Hartford center, maybe but that aint Hartford, and that is for the "deep pocket" crowd anyway. Through the 80's and early 90's Hartford had the best entertainment options in the state. More bars that attracted more bands which in turn attracted young people. From the late 90's through 2010 for whatever reason, the city absolutely died. National touring bands on their way up dont usually stop in Hartford. ( look at what College Street Music Hall is getting in New Haven in the last couple months. or FTC in Fairfield. None of those acts stop in Hartford). As a rule in my business, you want to play where the people will go see you. In my case and in many of my local peers case that is not in Hartford. You would be hard pressed to name anything besides Arch Street that features local live music that live music aficionados would go to attend in any regularity. When I want to hit the Hartford Market I end up playing Manchester. We do better there than we do in downtown Hartford. Hartford really needs to work on attracting young people back. The Hard Rock Cafe and a Minor League baseball team dont seem like the recipe to me. Just more of the same. I think overall it helps the cities image, sure. It wont hurt having a Hard Rock hotel, it wont hurt having a cool inner city baseball stadium, but I dont think it will move the needle on the issues Im describing.

Here is my take (filtered through the myopic lens of a working musician). Hartford has some great restaurants and some pretty cool cultural offerings. I have noticed an improvement over the last 5 years. The thing is that those cool cultural offerings and high end restaurants attract an older demographic. Older demographics will go out and spend decent money, but not with a frequency that makes a city seem vibrant. A city will only ever be as strong as its ability to attract young people. They may spend less money per night, but they go out way more frequently. Last Friday night I was on Crown Street in New Haven and at 8:00 pm that street and the cross streets were teaming with people. Going out to eat, maybe a beer or two, and then they end up at the clubs either dancing or going to see live music. I never get that same vibe in Hartford. Not in Union place, not anywhere. West Hartford center, maybe but that aint Hartford, and that is for the "deep pocket" crowd anyway. Through the 80's and early 90's Hartford had the best entertainment options in the state. More bars that attracted more bands which in turn attracted young people. From the late 90's through 2010 for whatever reason, the city absolutely died. National touring bands on their way up dont usually stop in Hartford. ( look at what College Street Music Hall is getting in New Haven in the last couple months. or FTC in Fairfield. None of those acts stop in Hartford). As a rule in my business, you want to play where the people will go see you. In my case and in many of my local peers case that is not in Hartford. You would be hard pressed to name anything besides Arch Street that features local live music that live music aficionados would go to attend in any regularity. When I want to hit the Hartford Market I end up playing Manchester. We do better there than we do in downtown Hartford. Hartford really needs to work on attracting young people back. The Hard Rock Cafe and a Minor League baseball team dont seem like the recipe to me. Just more of the same. I think overall it helps the cities image, sure. It wont hurt having a Hard Rock hotel, it wont hurt having a cool inner city baseball stadium, but I dont think it will move the needle on the issues Im describing.

While the Hartford music scene is sometimes young and hip, it tends to be wiped out by the negative vibe of corporate and older sporting-event types of people. who think that top-40 is haute couture. Not much fun when your favorite bands aren't favored by scads of Whaler fans, who show up after the game.

 

[John]

for games we do on-street parking over near the Science Center and walk over to XL. There's definitely been some sketchy characters over the years. Also, some of the streets need much better lighting on the sidewalk areas. And additionally, Hartford does an awful job at clearing the sidewalks of ice and snow. I'm betting they've had some doozy lawsuits over slip n' falls.

 

[BigErnMcCracken]

I've heard people gush about Providence which is basically a mall that sets its river on fire. None of those cities are close to Hartford for history (Mark Twain House, Old State House, Colt,) culture (Wadsworths) Music venues from large to small like the Webster, to Meadows, Infinity, Both Bushnell Auditoriums, There is a high end theater scene between the Bushnell, Hartford Stage and theater works. Throw in the riverfront, Front Street, the civic center the new ball park. I could go on, this is off the top of my head.

Have you actually set foot in the city of Providence? I can't imagine you have. That comparison is ridiculous.

 

[August_West]

Have you actually set foot in the city of Providence? I can't imagine you have. That comparison is ridiculous.

It is ridiculous. I hate to say it, but Providence is light years ahead of Hartford. Not even close.

 

[MilliniumPrince]

I love the comments about Hartford being a safe city and the sentiment that the worry over crime is foolish.

As of a month or two ago, Hartford had the most murders of the 9 largest cities in New England. As of September, Hartford had 24 murders and Boston had 23 (with a population 5X greater). Where the new park is going in? It's only a couple blocks before the neighborhood deteriorates rapidly. There was 3 murders this spring on Belden and Donald St which are 0.3-0.5 m away from where the new stadium is going. So you never felt scared walking from the Civic Center to the parking garage a block away? Doesn't mean Hartford isn't Murdertown.

Check the stats for Downtown Hartford. You will find fairly low crime rates across the board. The murder rate is off the charts, but rarely is it Downtown and rarely does it involve people who aren't in "the game".