Hartford Financial To Build 450,000-SF Complex

The first phase of the green project is expected to be complete by mid-2008. When fully built-out in 2010, the campus will house approximately 2,000 Hartford Life employees.

State officials report that Hartford Life, which is headquartered in Simsbury, will consolidate its existing Windsor and Avon offices into the new complex. In addition, Hartford Life plans to create 300 new jobs over the next five years.

Prior to breaking ground, Hartford will work to secure permits and incentives from both the Town of Windsor and the State of Connecticut before the deal is finalized.

Proposed state financial incentives for the project that are on the table include up to $18 million in Urban and Industrial Sites Reinvestment Tax Credits and a $7-million loan.

"We are excited to find a place to grow in Connecticut for our expanding life operations," says Ramani Ayer, chairman and CEO of Hartford. "Over the last 15 years, the Hartford's Connecticut employee base has increased by more than 50% and we are proud of our commitment to this great state we have called home since 1810. We are equally pleased with the prospects of opening a new facility that embraces sustainable initiatives."

The design of the new complex in Windsor will focus on green sustainable design strategies, such as sun control architectural elements, recycled construction materials and high efficiency heating and cooling systems to reduce building energy consumption, company officials say.

Hartford Life is a provider of annuities, retirement plans, mutual funds, individual life insurance, and group life and disability insurance. The firm has operated its headquarters out of Simsbury since 1986 and, as of April 2006, employed nearly 3,800 people in Connecticut, many of them at its 611,000-sf Simsbury facility.

Company officials add that with its new campus, Hartford will have four cornerstone operations in Connecticut located in Hartford, Simsbury, Southington and Windsor. In addition, the company will have the potential to expand its new complex in Windsor to approximately 600,000 sf.