At the beginning of the 20th century, Hartford was one of the leading cities in the country. At the end of the century, it was one of the worst. I can recall seeing a sign warning about babies falling from buildings as I drove through the city just a few years ago. But, if today's NY Times article is right, things are finally starting to look up for Hartford.
First of all, people - young and old - are moving into downtown Hartford; 1300 new housing units should be available this year. Some 20+ new restaurants have begun to restore a modicum of night life. The new Convention Center is doing better than expected. Cesar Pelli is designing a new science center. The Hilton has reopened. There is no longer a G. Fox or Sage Allen, but maybe new stores will come as the population returns.
It would be great if Hartford does come back. It's just the right size for a great city - large enough to have a significant artistic life yet small enough to be able to walk almost everywhere.
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