200 Constitution Plaza Update

January 27, 2016

Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students,

As you know, one of the exciting developments of early 2015 was Trinity’s announcement that we had completed the purchase of 200 Constitution Plaza in downtown Hartford.  This purchase represented a tremendous opportunity for the College to advance our commitment to having a physical presence downtown – one that will expand our capacity to deliver urban-global academic programs and strengthen our relationships within Hartford. We have publicly discussed our initial plans to occupy up to two floors of the five-story building and lease the balance of the space to organizations whose missions complement the mission of the College. In the months since the purchase, the College has engaged in a thorough capital review of the building and has received architectural renderings to help reimagine the space.

I write today to let you know that during the time we have been developing plans for 200 Constitution Plaza, the College has received offers by organizations seeking to purchase the building. In considering these offers, the College has insisted that any sale would allow Trinity to lease back the two floors originally planned for our own use. We are currently exploring whether Trinity will occupy 200 Constitution Plaza as an owner or tenant.

The College remains committed to moving into 200 Constitution Plaza regardless of who owns the building. Our planning for renovations and for identifying the best programs for this space is ongoing. Our belief is that the commitment to downtown Hartford shared by Trinity College, the University of Connecticut, and the other colleges and universities currently downtown – as well as those yet to come – is moving Hartford closer to becoming a dynamic college ecosystem.

I will keep you apprised of any significant developments as we go forward.

Sincerely,

Joanne Berger-Sweeney
President and Trinity College Professor of Neuroscience