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www.HartfordBusiness.com November 26, 2012 • Hartford Business Journal 69 I t's been said that to know where you're going, it's important to know where you've been. With the Capital Region Develop- ment Authority, (CRDA) replacing the Capital City Economic Development Authority, (CCEDA) we thought it would be a good idea to take a look back at the projects that helped set the stage for Hartford's continuing economic growth. One would be hard-pressed to envision Hartford today with- out the benefits of the "Six Pillars". It's true that some develop- ment in the City would have continued, but the pace and scale was enhanced by CCEDA's efforts. The City needed the infusion of investment to signal the employers of the region that the state cares and wants to provide an attractive environment. This new development would be a way for the City and its pro- ponents to showcase its inherent vitality. The backbone of the City, the insurance industry, has planted deep roots in Hartford; however, the industry had been crying out for a Hartford that would not only embrace them, but also be attractive to the current workforce and equally important to the workforce of the future. The "Six Pillars" mission was to rec- reate the environment which had disappeared over the years. Prior to CCEDA's involvement, employees of Hartford business- es, as well as visitors to the City, came to Hartford because they had to, not because they wanted to. The Pillar projects made downtown Hartford a place to live, presenting opportunities for advance education with Capital Community College and market-rate housing. More downtown residents meant attrac- tions such as the XL Center, Hartford Stage and the Bushnell, as well as local restaurants, were less dependent on commuter traffic from business. The housing component of the plan included development throughout the City. Designing city housing was a challenge CCEDA met by utilizing public-private partner- ships as part of the development resulting in Hartford21, The Lofts at Main &Temple and Trumbull-on-the-Park. Gap funding, through CCEDA, allowed many developers to provide homeownership opportunities to many who may not otherwise have had those opportunities. The program also included funding to the City, permitting many properties to be secured or mothballed for redevelopment in the future. The plan took Hartford's existing attributes one step further by creating a state-of-the-art convention venue, a four-star hotel, a world-class sci- ence center and a unique commer- cial and entertain- ment district all in one complex along the Connecticut River. Each entity, on its own, is a substantial con- tributor to the City's economy, but together they provide a powerful impact to the regional economy. Full and part-time positions were created for greater Hartford residents during construction and maintained today as part of the operations of each facility. Of course, none of these achievements could have been accomplished if not for the various leadership of CCEDA. Under the guidance of a diverse board of directors comprised of Hartford residents, community and business leaders, CCEDA execu- tive directors worked with vested interest groups and the City leadership to create something no other city in the state can boast. 100 Columbus Boulevard, Suite 500, Hartford, CT 06103-2819 | 860.527.0100 | http://crdact.net Hartford 21 is just one example of a Six Pillar housing project that has served to increase residency in downtown Hartford. Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) The new Capital Region Development Authority builds on a solid foundation left by the Capital Economic Development Authority ' e Six Pillars mission was to recreate the environment which had disappeared over the years in Hartford. e City needed the infusion of investment to signal the employers of the region that the state cares. ' R e t R o s p e c t I v e Special advertiSing Section 20th Anniversary Issue The Connecticut Convention Center overlooks the Connecticut River and is the centerpiece of Adriaen's Landing. Adriaen's Landing is one of the more recognizable projects developed by the Capital City Economic Development Authority, (CCEDA). The District includes the Connecticut Convention Center, the Marriott Hartford Downtown Hotel, the Connecticut Science Center and front street.