CREW Blue Ribbon Awards Program Book 2022

HORST Engineering (Ktaadn Project) East Hartford, CT

HORST Engineering is a contract manufacturer of precision machined components for aerospace and other high technology industries. The 76-year-old family enterprise has a long history of innovation, continuous improvement, and recently underwent a major renovation. The transformation of 141 Prestige Park Road into a world class manufacturing site signifies a sincere commitment to keeping Industry in the United States, in Connecticut, and at home in East Hartford. A main objective was consolidating the four existing business locations into one state-of-the-art factory. They incorporated a legacy brand with fresh space. It called for a design that had a “respect for nature with a nod to precision engineering". The 7.2-acre property included a blighted 50-year-old, 108,000 sf structure. HORST Engineering is the 5 th owner. Over the last 22 years of prior ownership, the building was used as a flea market, trucking terminal, and junk yard. Years of neglect and deferred maintenance meant dealing with tax liens, unpaid utilities, and several other issues. HORST Engineering leveraged incentives at the local and state level, including a Sales Tax Exemption through Connecticut Innovations and a Property Tax Abatement from East Hartford with support from the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development. The building was acquired in April 2018; improvements started in November 2019, including a site clean-up, full roof replacement, and gut renovation, with completion in October 2021. Every system was replaced including electrical, HVAC, and plumbing. New offices were constructed. Eight loading docks and drive-in doors were maintained, a new canopy was added, new windows were installed, and the exterior was modernized with a new façade. Renovation during the COVID-19 pandemic/recession was an incredible challenge. Forced closures, delayed materials, quarantined contractors, health and safety protocols, and stress made this an even more difficult undertaking. The renovation of 141 was dubbed the Ktaadn Project after the famous mountain (Katahdin) in Maine. This inspiring natural feature is symbolic of size and impact that this new factory will have for many years to come. Owner : Horst Engineering & Manufacturing Co. Size : 108,000 sf Project Team: Aldrich Construction Company, Capital Studio Architects, Construction Advocacy Professionals, Design Your Monday, People's United Bank, Sentry, Hinckley Allen, Connstep, Electrical Systems Technologies, LLC, JR Russo Surveyors & Engineers, Redfern Engineering, C.A. Reed, Tile America, DeClercq Office Group, Sign Pro

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