CREW CT 2025 Blue Ribbon Brochure

East Hartford Logistics & Technology Park at Rentschler Field

East Hartford, CT

An active airport from 1939 to 1999, East Hartford’s Rentschler Field had been largely unused for 25 years. However, the historic 300-acre site has become a regional and local economic and industrial asset in the form of a new logistics and technology park, developed by National Development. The project resulted in two build-to-suit Class A distribution facilities totaling more than 2.5 million square feet for two prominent retailers. Located midway between New York City and Boston and less than a mile from both I-84 and I-91, the site is a prime location for a logistics, manufacturing, and job center. Locals say the development is transformational for East Hartford. The two large-scale distribution facilities enhance the region’s infrastructure and position Hartford as a key player in the logistics and distribution sector. The facilities are anticipated to generate jobs and tax revenue for the city. The project received strong support from state and local representatives, who recognized its economic potential. Though the site required extensive permitting due to its historic designation, proximity to wetlands, endangered species along the waterway, and interaction with groundwater, VHB was able to obtain all permits and complete design within 11 months thanks to local and regional support for the project and an aggressive approach to permitting. The minimal grade change across the former airport’s runways presented topographical challenges to accommodate such large buildings. With a focus on sustainability and minimizing the import of fill material, VHB implemented a green infrastructure stormwater design and sloped the slab of one of the buildings five feet from one end to the other. This approach kept the site elevation low while facilitating functional drainage and water quality treatment. Ultimately, these sustainable practices not only minimized the amount of fill imported to the site (thereby reducing dump truck traffic to and from the site); they also saved the developer millions of dollars. Both facilities were designed to accommodate future solar panel installation across the entire roof systems and include sustainable features such as energy-efficient lighting and EV charging stations. The development also includes sidewalks to accommodate pedestrian commuters. The East Hartford Logistics & Technology Park at Rentschler Field exemplifies the best in industrial development. Through creative problem-solving, strategic planning, and a commitment to quality, the project team delivered two high-quality facilities that will serve as catalysts for economic growth in Hartford for years to come.

Owner — National Development

Project Size — 2.5 million square feet

Project Team — VHB, ARCO National Construction, F.A. Hesketh & Associates, Inc., HRP Associates, Inc., GEI, Heritage Consultants, Apex Lighting Solutions, GMA Architects, omloop design 13 Blue Ribbon Awards 2025