Bushnell Tower Isn’t Quite in the Skyline

Bushnell tower sits at one edge of the cluster of tall buildings that is Hartford’s downtown. It was originally meant to be accompanied by a partner adjacent to it that was never constructed—so instead, we get a view of the State Capitol.

Bushnell Tower Isn't Quite in the Skyline

Wall Beyond Pulaski Circle

Downtown Hartford jumps into view like a cliff of buildings, connected to the riverside interstate (at least for now) by a tunnel beneath Hartford Public Library (still lit with orange sodium vapor lamps, see right.) Traveling through that tunnel and out into the city proper always feels a little like Batman emerging from the Batcave, if I’m honest.

Wall Beyond Pulaski Circle

The Southern End of Downtown Hartford

I’ve long been interested in visualizing gradients between different levels of density in housing and construction; here in Hartford, Bushnell Tower is the sort of final edge point between the tall structures of downtown and the medium-rise buildings in the rest of the city. Bushnell Park in the foreground acts as a counterpoint to both.

The Southern End of Downtown Hartford

Bushnell Tower Watching Fireworks

Flying a drone in downtown Hartford requires some extra permissions, but they’re worth chasing for the opportunity to capture shots like this one: Bushnell Tower, the State Capitol, and a rain-checked fireworks display arrayed above Bushnell Park.

Bushnell Tower Watching Fireworks in the Park