Blue Back Square

Blue Back Square is a mixed-use development located adjacent to West Hartford Center, in West Hartford, Connecticut. It is an example of New Urbanism, combining retail and residential space. Talk of the new square started in 2003, with construction from late 2006 to early 2008. Blue Back Square was named after the Blueback Speller, by Noah Webster, who was once a West Hartford resident.

Blue Back Square
Coordinates41°45′37″N 72°44′24″W
Address65 Memorial Road, West Hartford, CT 06107
ManagementStarwood Capital Group
OwnerStarwood Retail Partners
Websitehttps://www.bluebacksquare.com

Controversy

When the project was first introduced, controversy arose over the transfer of town land for the project as well as the issuance of bonds. Land that was proposed for transfer for the development included open space behind Town Hall and the former Board of Education building.[1] The town decided to have a referendum to settle the matter after a petition campaign was mounted to force a vote. In a two-question referendum, one on the issuance of bonds and the other regarding the land transfer, town residents approved the project, with about 60 percent in favor and 40 percent opposed.[1]

Mural

On June 19, 2021 - Juneteenth - West Hartford dedicated a new mural devoted to African-American history and life, both locally and nationally.[2] The mural is located on an exterior wall of the Noah Webster Memorial Library (1917 building) and was painted by Corey Pane. One panel of the mural includes Ella Baker, Martin Luther King Jr., and Bernard Lafayette over a quotation from Amanda Gorman.

Facing Main Street, another panel includes Gertrude Blanks, Judy Casperson, and State Rep. Tammy Exum over a quotation from US Vice-President Kamala Harris.

Images
  • Blueback Speller imagery decorating Blue Back Square

References
  1. Altimari, Daniela (13 October 2004). "Voters Approve Blue Back Square". The Hartford Courant. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  2. "New mural in West Hartford honors MLK and other civic leaders". Retrieved 20 January 2022.


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