Placemaking
& Beautification

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Our
Mission

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Hartford Has It
Banners

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Programs
& Initiatives

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Press
& News

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Annual Report

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Our Mission

Established in 2006, the Hartford Business Improvement District (HBID) is a 60-block non-profit 501(c)(3) special services district located in the commercial core of Hartford, Connecticut.

Projects and programs of the HBID concentrate on cleanliness and safety, community engagement, marketing, placemaking, beautification, outreach, and advocacy.

Working collectively with more than 100 property owners, the City of Hartford, and other organizations within the District, the HBID is dedicated to creating positive and lasting change by enhancing the economic vitality and quality of life for employees, visitors and residents within our District.

Placemaking
& Beautification

Creating a sense of place by thoughtfully shaping public spaces instills a sense of belonging among residents and visitors, which has an impact on the District and the city at large. The Hartford BID placemaking programs concentrate on street banners, seasonal decorations, public seating, and beautification. Through these programs, these initiatives not only enhance the city’s appeal but also attract businesses, tourism, and foster a deeper sense of pride.

Programs & Initiatives

Banner
Program

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Banner Program

The Hartford Business Improvement District (Hartford BID) manages more than 250 street pole banner locations throughout the greater downtown area.

The Hartford BID's street banners are viewed by hundreds of thousands of visitors, commuters, and residents every year. Banners are seen in television news broadcasts, advertisements, in hundreds of social media posts, and in online photo galleries for several high profile events.

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Seasonal
Decorations

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Seasonal Decorations

Creating a sense of place with strategically placed decorations throughout all four seasons has a huge impact on the District and the city at large. The Hartford BID manages seasonal decorations for several locations throughout the District.
 
Seasonal decorations include holiday lighting, decorative garland, wreaths, large LED snowflakes, corn stalks, twinkle lights and additional lighting added to street poles during winter months to give highly trafficked corridors a warm and welcoming feeling.

Heaven
Skate Park

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Heaven Skate Park

The Hartford BID designed and implemented a streetscape improvement and beautification project at Heaven Skate Park through a Community Development Block Grant. The services provided through this project served to change public perception of a heavily utilized but often misunderstood recreation and urban arts asset through beautification of the exterior walls, and the addition of clear and vibrant signage.

The Hartford BID met weekly with members of the skating and graffiti arts community to ensure that each step of the process reflected and resonated with the community who uses the park on a regular basis.

Public
Art

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Public Art

The Hartford BID has commissioned, sponsored, and helped to facilitate several murals throughout the District. Most notably, one of the tallest murals in Connecticut by artist Corey Pane.

The Hartford BID, in partnership with the Rise Up Group and Goodwin Square Partnership, commissioned artist Corey Pane to create one of Connecticut's tallest murals ("Just Grow") reaching over 100 feet tall. It can be found at 252 Pearl Street.

5x5
Hartford

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5x5 Hartford

5x5 is a term originating with radio communications to indicate how a message has been received on a scale of one to five. If a message comes in 5 x 5, it is strong and clear.

The Hartford BID commissioned the Rise Up Group and CT Murals to assist with the selection of five Hartford-area artists to create five 5'x5' murals throughout the central business district, using the message of strength and positivity as their inspiration.

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