Lincoln Financial Extends Lease At Hartford’s Metro Center

Lincoln Financial Group, a major employer in downtown Hartford, has signed a 5-year lease extension at its current headquarters, following a search of other potential locations in the city.

“Ultimately, we decided this was the best spot for Lincoln and its employees,”  Jay Russo, a Lincoln spokesman in Hartford, said, citing the downtown location and the access to parking.

Lincoln Financial has extended its lease at downtown Hartford's Metro Center. Photo by Kenneth R. Gosselin/kgosselin@courant.com

Russo said Lincoln, which has maintained a regional office at the Metro Center tower for 14 years, said the insurer had looked at other locations in the city, but was committed to remaining in Hartford.

The lease renewal covers 190,000 square feet of space in the Church Street tower. Russo declined to provide the size of its workforce at Metro Center, but as of last year, it was nearly 700. The lease runs through July, 2018.

Hartford Mayor Pedro E. Segarra, who disclosed the renewal early today, praised Lincoln’s decision.

“I am thrilled that Lincoln has decided to stay in Hartford,” Segarra said. “A 20-year commitment to our wonderful city is something we value and treasure — it shows a willingness on their part to continue being a critical stakeholder in the ongoing renaissance of Connecticut’s Capital City.”