BL Companies Vice President of Operations and Principal Derek Kohl wrote an article for the Hartford Business Journal’s annual Economic Forecast issue. Headlined “Cautious optimism defines CT’s development outlook for 2026,” Derek writes about how “uncertainty” was the buzzword of 2025, but for the architecture, engineering, development and construction industry in 2026, there will be a new theme: “cautious optimism.”
One of the clear bright spots in Connecticut is that mixed-use and adaptive re-use projects are gaining momentum. Here is an excerpt:
Demand remains strong for large mixed-use projects that offer live-work-play environments outside major downtowns.
These kinds of suburban and urban developments, such as Storrs Center in Mansfield and Blue Back Square in West Hartford, can enhance a location and create a destination by building on foundational elements already in place — but there are a lot of moving parts.
Developers are sifting through the challenges to make headway. The Heritage Park redevelopment of the former UConn campus in West Hartford is gaining momentum at a site where other projects have failed to launch. Smaller examples, like Founders Square in Windsor, made it across the finish line last year.
Other large adaptive reuse projects currently in the works include mixed-use redevelopment of the Westbrook Outlets and the Crystal Mall, which was recently purchased by General Dynamics Electric Boat and is being converted into office space and training facilities.
These projects will certainly be economic engines, and it’s easy to imagine the Meriden and Enfield malls following with their own adaptive redevelopments, whether for medical office, health care or mixed use.
Read the full article here.