FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969

September 22, 2026

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) welcomed the announcement that the Community Investment Fund Board endorsed $5.5 million in total support for two major East Hartford projects, including the renovation of several properties and the continued redevelopment of a major plaza into housing units.

The funding, which needs to be finalized by the State Bond Commission, would include $2.5 million for the renovation of 21, 33 and 35 Church Street in East Hartford and $3 million for the continued redevelopment of 111 Founders Plaza.

“East Hartford’s continued commitment to reusing and redeveloping locations to support the community is paying off, and these investments are the latest evidence of that,” said Sen. Anwar. “I’m delighted to know new funding is helping create new educational opportunities for students with particular needs and infuse the Waterfront with more business and life. These projects will benefit the local community in a number of ways, and I am looking forward to their completion.”

The Ben Bronz Academy is expected to receive $2.5 million to support the acquisition and renovation of the Church Street properties, intending to move from its former leased facility in West Hartford to the new site. The Academy empowers students with significant learning disabilities through personalized, evidence-based education.

The new renovations will support installing HVAC systems, renovating and updating the kitchen, and adding lift access to the music area to support the Americans With Disabilities Act.

Further work will include ADA accessibility, lead paint abatement and constructing classrooms and additional bathrooms in the property. Once complete, the school hopes to support up to 144 students, growing its enrollment from a current 57.

The town of East Hartford, working with the 111 Founders Plaza owners and development team, will use $3 million to further support the redevelopment of the location into up to 260 modern residential apartments in the Riverfront district. Interior demolition and construction at the site are expected to take place from 2027 to 2029 with a hope to open between 2029 and 2030.

The project is expected to address the region’s housing shortage and create a vibrant residential presence along the Riverfront.