West Hartford Construction and Demolition Buzz: August 23, 2026
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Demolition underway of the former UConn Law School library building at 1800 Asylum Avenue. Aug. 20, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
A roundup of construction and demolition work taking place throughout West Hartford.
Upgrades underway to the roundabout at King Philip Drive and Old Meadow Road. Aug. 20, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
By Ronni Newton
Construction updates are usually part of Business Buzz, but this week’s column was already jam-packed and very long, so other than some updates regarding signs and build-outs, I’ve compiled the below photo gallery of construction – and de-construction – projects that are happening all over town.
The West Hartford Center Infrastructure Master Plan continues to move ahead, and the greatest area of sidewalk work is now on the south side of Farmington Avenue, just east of LaSalle Road (in front of bluemercury and BK) and between the Toy Shop and Bruegger’s. The concurrent paving/restriping/bike lane construction on Farmington Avenue just east of Main Street is nearly complete.
Where outdoor dining has returned to the sidewalks, it looks beautiful!
West Hartford Center Infrastructure Master Plan construction on Farmington Avenue. Aug. 19, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Center Infrastructure Master Plan construction on Farmington Avenue. Aug. 19, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Center Infrastructure Master Plan construction on Farmington Avenue. Aug. 19, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Center Infrastructure Master Plan construction on Farmington Avenue. Aug. 19, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Outdoor dining has returned to this stretch of Farmington Avenue. West Hartford Center Infrastructure Master Plan construction on Farmington Avenue. Aug. 19, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Zohara patio is fully back open and looking great! West Hartford Center Infrastructure Master Plan construction on Farmington Avenue. Aug. 19, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Center Infrastructure Master Plan construction on Farmington Avenue. Aug. 19, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Center Infrastructure Master Plan construction on Farmington Avenue. Aug. 19, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
The Max Oyster Bar patio reopened a few weeks ago and is beautiful. West Hartford Center Infrastructure Master Plan construction on Farmington Avenue. Aug. 19, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Center Infrastructure Master Plan construction on Farmington Avenue. Aug. 19, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Center Infrastructure Master Plan construction on Farmington Avenue. Aug. 19, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Center Infrastructure Master Plan construction on Farmington Avenue. Aug. 19, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford Center Infrastructure Master Plan construction on Farmington Avenue. Aug. 19, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Restriping of Farmington Avenue following repaving. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
The 2-way separated bike lane on Farmington Avenue is nearly complete and should be open by Center Streets on Aug. 30, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Also in the Center, progress continues on the Center Park Place luxury condominium building.
Construction of Center Park Place. Aug. 19, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Construction of Center Park Place. Aug. 19, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
The majority of the exterior construction of the new Animal Control facility on Brixton Street is complete, and crews are working on the interior. The project is slated to be complete this fall.
Progress on construction of new Animal Control facility on Brixton Street, Aug. 19, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Progress on construction of new Animal Control facility on Brixton Street, Aug. 19, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
The Jayden is rising from the ground at 579 New Park Avenue where Hexagon New Park LLC, led by Elmwood natives Tommy and Jason Li, are developing 70 residential units, 14 of which will be guaranteed affordable for 30 years, on the 1.21-acre site.
Progress on construction of The Jayden, 579 New Park Avenue, Aug. 19, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Progress on construction of The Jayden, 579 New Park Avenue, Aug. 19, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
In the demolition department, the last vestiges of the former UConn campus are coming down at 1800 Asylum Avenue. The last building standing – the former UConn Law School library – was partially demolished as of last Thursday. The remainder of the buildings have already been taken down, paving the way for the construction of Heritage Park.
I went by on Sunday afternoon just before publishing this article, and there was still a piece of the former library building standing (see last photo).
Demolition underway of the former UConn Law School library building at 1800 Asylum Avenue. Aug. 20, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Demolition underway of the former UConn Law School library building at 1800 Asylum Avenue. Aug. 20, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Demolition underway of the former UConn Law School library building at 1800 Asylum Avenue. Aug. 20, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Demolition underway of the former UConn Law School library building at 1800 Asylum Avenue. Aug. 23, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Across Trout Brook Drive in what was formerly the parking lot for UConn (1360 Trout Brook Drive) the Residences at Heritage Park are really taking shape.
Progress on construction of the Residences at Heritage Park, Aug. 20, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Progress on construction of the Residences at Heritage Park, Aug. 20, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Progress on construction of the Residences at Heritage Park, Aug. 20, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Progress on construction of the Residences at Heritage Park, Aug. 20, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
At the corner of Brixton Street and Oakwood Avenue (705 Oakwood Avenue) a portion of the former Cunningham Supply building has been demolished, and a fueling station for town vehicles will be constructed there.
Demolition of a portion of the former Cunningham Supply at 705 Oakwood Avenue. Aug. 19, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Demolition of a portion of the former Cunningham Supply at 705 Oakwood Avenue. Aug. 19, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Demolition of a portion of the former Cunningham Supply at 705 Oakwood Avenue. Aug. 19, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
There have been numerous Vision Zero projects completed over the summer, and a comprehensive list is forthcoming. New curb extensions near Conard are among the updates.
As part of the Vision Zero initiative, curb extensions have been added at intersections near Conard High School, including at Beechwood and Ashford roads. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
There are also multiple projects that have taken place or are still underway at West Hartford Public Schools. Click here for the complete back-to-school update for more details.
And last, but definitely not least, upgrades are being made to West Hartford’s famous (infamous?) roundabout at King Philip Drive and Old Meadow Road. According to the most recent Town Manager’s Report, “a new raised decorative mountable island will replace temporary bollards installed in 2025. The temporary yellow flexible bollards have been removed to allow contractors full access.”
Upgrades underway to the roundabout at King Philip Drive and Old Meadow Road. Aug. 20, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Upgrades underway to the roundabout at King Philip Drive and Old Meadow Road. Aug. 20, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Upgrades underway to the roundabout at King Philip Drive and Old Meadow Road. Aug. 20, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Upgrades underway to the roundabout at King Philip Drive and Old Meadow Road. Aug. 20, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
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