After years of empty storefronts in downtown Hartford's flagship development, things are picking up at Front Street. As WNPR's Jeff Cohen reports, the state says a new concert venue may be the district's newest tenant.
Front Street is the retail and entertainment district the state built in the center of Hartford's downtown. It sits across the street from the convention center and the science center. But since it's completion, the retail space has been empty. That will soon change. Later this fall, a new movie theater is planning to open its doors.
And, now, Governor Dannel Malloy says that Infinity Music Hall and Bistro will open a 500-seat theater that will draw acts from around the country. It will also offer dinner. Infinity Hall is based in Norfolk, where it has a 300-seat venue. Malloy wants the state to contribute $1.3 million in funding to help the deal along. He says hopes the venue will create jobs and attract people from throughout the region to the capital city.
Malloy says the music hall should be completed in late 2013.
For WNPR, I'm Jeff Cohen.
Infinity Hall is an underwriter on WNPR.
