Parkville District

The Parkville Arts and Innovation District is located on the western side of the City of Hartford, Connecticut. The district is bounded by Capitol Avenue to the north; I-84 and the South Branch of Park River to the east; the West Hartford town line to the west; and Flatbush Ave to the south. Bartholomew Avenue, Park Street, New Park Avenue, Hamilton Street and Flatbush Avenue are all important arteries in the district.

History

In the early days of the American colonies, the Parkville section of Hartford was open fields and farm land. In the late 1800s, a number of commercial and industrial businesses opened in the neighborhood. Kane Brickyard, Hartford Rubber Works, Royal Typewriter and Hartford Industrial Company were some of the first companies to establish operations in Parkville. Residential and commercial construction expanded into the early 1900s, resulting in a number of historic and architecturally interesting buildings.  While the post-World War II expansion and construction of Interstate 84 lead to the decline in Parkville’s industrial base, the community’s historic roots are the foundation of the vibrant walkable neighborhood that exists today. Most recently, creative enterprises and destinations such as the Parkville Market, Real Artways and Hog River Brewing have revitalized the community and created opportunities for continued growth.

Assets and Opportunities

The Parkville Arts and Innovation District offers a number of valuable assets creating a community where businesses and residents can work, live, grow and prosper.

• Location: Situated along the I-84 corridor, with direct access from Exit 46, the District is located in the heart of the New York-Hartford-Boston region.

• Transit: Located along the CTfastrak bus rapid transit system, the District has direct connections to Waterbury, Hartford and Manchester and the communities in between.

• Diversity: Parkville is a community of diverse people, cultures, businesses and land uses that compose a vibrant growing urban district.

• Workforce: A large available workforce and connections with local and regional workforce training programs provides the people and tools that innovative business enterprises need.

• Real Estate:The District contains over one million square feet of industrial and commercial space, as well as former mill buildings poised for reuse. A 33-acre vacant brownfield within the District is an opportunity for redevelopment.

Parkville is a regional destination for music, art and entertainment.

Parkvile is a diverse and vibrant neighborhood community.

(Photo: Office of the Governor)
The Parkville and Flatbush CTfastrak stations are significant assets.

The District is home to a variety of cultural, hospitality and entertainment venues.