The Potential of Barry Square and South End Neighborhoods
As Hartford looks to meet the growing demand for affordable senior housing, neighborhoods like Barry Square and South End offer considerable potential. The area already features key amenities like:
- Senior Center
- Goodwin Park
- Banks, post offices, churches, and grocery stores
This makes it an ideal location for senior residents, especially considering the importance of walkability. The ideal walking distance for daily needs typically ranges from 5 to 15 minutes (roughly 1/4 to 1/2 mile). These neighborhoods are well-positioned to offer seniors easy access to the services and amenities they rely on, which is crucial for promoting an independent, fulfilling lifestyle.
Two properties—MD Fox Manor (90 units) and MJ Caruso Gables (36 units)—total 126 units of affordable senior housing in the area. Expanding upon these existing properties could help meet the growing demand.
Opportunities for action-what’s possible on the ground?
What vacant land or underutilized properties could be repurposed for senior housing?
To explore opportunities for local development, our team conducted a site-based evaluation of vacant and underutilized properties in the Frog Hollow, Barry Square, and South End neighborhoods.
Field Survey of Properties
We visited each site in person to assess its potential for repurposing into affordable senior housing.
Evaluation Criteria
Our assessment focused on key factors such as:
- Walkability and accessibility for older adults
- Proximity to essential senior services, including clinics, community centers, and public transportation
- Development feasibility, including lot size, condition, and location
Zoning and Conditions Review
We also reviewed Hartford’s zoning regulations, building codes, and neighborhood conditions to determine the types of development permitted or encouraged in each area.
This comprehensive site analysis was essential for aligning community needs with real, developable land—ensuring our recommendations are rooted in practical feasibility.
Zoning Context: Form-Based Code
In 2016, Hartford adopted a form-based zoning code aimed at fostering walkable, human-scale neighborhoods. This approach encourages pedestrian-oriented design, adaptive reuse of older buildings, and a broad mix of residential densities throughout the city (City of Hartford Municipal Affordable Housing Plan, 2022).
According to Hartford’s zoning code:
- Neighborhood (N) districts allow 1-, 2-, or 3-unit residential buildings, depending on the subdistrict.
- Neighborhood Mix (NX) districts support a full range of housing types, including multi-family developments.
- Mixed-use districts (MS, MX, DT, CX-1) allow multi-unit residential buildings, often requiring residential uses on upper floors.
- Industrial (ID), Commercial Industrial Mix (CX-2), and Open Space (OS) districts do not permit residential development.
- See Zoning map of Hartford for further details.
Target Zones for Development
We prioritized vacant parcels located in MS, MX, and NX zones—districts that permit multi-unit dwellings or apartment-style housing. Based on our conversations with Mutual Housing and our review of existing affordable housing supply, we found that a feasible senior housing.
Below is a map highlighting vacant and underutilized properties in the Frog Hollow, Barry Square, and South End neighborhoods:
Map 2. Vacant Properties Maps
Use this map to explore potential development sites identified through our field survey.
Download the Property Inventory Excel File
This file includes details for each property, such as:
- Location
- Lot size
- Ownership and mailing address
- Zoning designation
- Field survey notes on site conditions and accessibility
Priority Properties for Potential Development
Based on our evaluation criteria—including walkability, proximity to senior services, and zoning—we identified several properties with strong potential for affordable senior housing:
Table 3. Vacant properties with strong potential for affordable senior housing
Source: April 2025, Field Survey