The distinctive dome of the Colt Complex.
While Hartford officials may have jumped the gun yesterday, Tuesday was still an exciting day for the City of Hartford, as the National Park Advisory Board voted in favor of designating Coltsville a National Historic Landmark.
Around midday yesterday, press releases from Hartford and Connecticut officials stated that Coltsville had indeed been designated a Historic Landmark, but that error was quickly amended by a later e-mail. The Secretary of the Interior (Dirk Kempthorne) has the final say in the matter. No word on when Mr. Kempthorne will place his vote.
While this is certainly a step in the right direction, troubles still surround the Civil War era firearms manufacturing facility.
For years, Colt Gateway LLC has been trying to get a $120 million conversion project off the ground. The plans call for the facility to be renovated into apartments and commercial space. The major lender for the project went bankrupt, and, for over a year, the developers have been unable to find another source of funds for the project.
Source: Hartford Courant
Filed under: Connecticut, Hartford, History, Mixed-Use
