New Student Housing Opens in Hartford, Paving Way for UConn Expansion

The University of Connecticut (UConn) has opened new student housing in downtown Hartford, accommodating its first 38 students at a site known as The Donaghue. The decision comes as UConn seeks to address a housing shortage on its main campus in Storrs. This temporary housing initiative is part of a broader strategy to transform Hartford into a more vibrant college town.

UConn freshman Amy Casazola expressed her enthusiasm for being among the first residents in this newly-converted apartment building on Main Street. “I was a little upset that I didn’t get to do housing in Storrs,” she said, “but then they offered me housing in Hartford, and I took it.” Casazola noted that she has found plenty of activities and a sense of community in her new environment.

The opening of The Donaghue was celebrated during a ceremony attended by city and university officials. UConn plans to construct a permanent residence hall on Pratt Street, set to open in the fall of 2026, which will accommodate up to 200 students. This expansion is part of Hartford’s aim to balance its identity as a corporate hub with a thriving residential community.

Mark Overmyer-Velázquez, dean of the Hartford regional campus, highlighted this development as a significant milestone. “As a campus, this is a whole new stage for us on a small scale this year,” he stated. The university’s proactive approach in offering housing downtown a year ahead of schedule reflects a critical need for student accommodations.

With the regional campus established in 2017, UConn has expanded its footprint in Hartford, including the recent $28 million project to convert office space into student housing. Casazola is already considering continuing her studies in Hartford, stating, “Right now, I might want to stay in Hartford. I was thinking about being an RA here.”

The interest in downtown housing has gradually increased, according to Taj Julien, UConn’s residence hall director. “At first, I think people were not quite clear on the fact that we have housing here,” he explained. As awareness grew, so did the number of students interested in moving to the area.

The lease for The Donaghue, which spans three floors, allows for housing approximately 57 students. The rates are set at $11,734 for a standard double room and $13,888 for a standard single room. Residents can opt for UConn meal plans that provide five or ten meals per week.

The apartments are equipped with modern amenities, including quartz countertops and bathrooms with waterfall showers and massage jets. As Aleysha Ortiz, another resident, pointed out, the facilities are impressive. “What dorm room has a dishwasher?” she remarked while showcasing her apartment.

The redevelopment of The Donaghue was made possible through a partnership that included Daniel Klaynberg, president of Spectra Construction and Development. The project was funded in part by a low-cost loan of $2.1 million from city funds managed by the Capital Region Development Authority.

In addition to The Donaghue, UConn is transforming former office spaces at 64 Pratt St. into a new residence hall, which will enhance the university’s presence in the city. This initiative is bolstered by $5 million in grants from the city and state, with additional funding secured through a state-backed low-interest loan.

Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam emphasized the importance of this development during the opening ceremonies. “When students step out of these residence halls, they are going to step into a campus that is part of UConn,” he stated. He likened Hartford’s potential for student life to that of major metropolitan areas such as New York and Boston.

The new housing initiatives not only address a pressing need for student accommodations but also aim to foster a stronger connection between UConn and the Hartford community. As UConn continues to expand its offerings in downtown Hartford, both students and city officials are optimistic about the future of this partnership.