News

09.07.2005

HARTFORD, CT – (September 7, 2005) – The Phoenix Companies, Inc. today announced that it has formally donated the 2.2-acre site that will be home to the new Connecticut Center for Science & Exploration at Adriaen’s Landing in Hartford. The parcel, a prime location adjacent to the Riverfront Promenade, convention center, and hotel complex at Adriaen’s Landing, is valued at approximately $4.8 million. With the donation complete, the Center announced that the stage is set for construction, starting with a groundbreaking ceremony October 21.

“Phoenix is proud to be a part of the revitalization of downtown Hartford and efforts to improve our community,” said Dona D. Young, chairman, president and CEO of Phoenix. “The science center is an extraordinarily important new addition to our city and our state, and all of us at Phoenix are eager to watch it rise from the ground next to our headquarters location.”Through the transaction, ownership of the property was transferred to the State of Connecticut, which in turn is extending development rights for building the Connecticut Center for Science & Exploration."The state continues to enjoy a very productive relationship with Hartford's business community and the city is seeing the results. The science center is just the latest project that is changing the city's skyline and creating a new vitality," said Robert Genuario, Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, on behalf of the State.“This is a momentous occasion and a significant milestone for the project,” said Dr. Theodore S. Sergi, president & CEO of the Center. “We are extremely thankful for the generosity and leadership of Phoenix from the earliest days of creating this new Connecticut destination, and we are more excited every day about the realization of that vision.”"This is another great day for the Adriaen's Landing project. We are well on the way to making a real impact on the future of Hartford and today's event reminds us all of the leadership role played by Phoenix right from the start," said Annette Sanderson, Executive Director of the Capital City Economic Development Authority.

In preparation for groundbreaking, the project’s design and construction team has been planning the carefully sequenced development of the dramatic building, designed by world renowned Connecticut architect Cesar Pelli. The construction manager, Whiting Turner Contracting Company, will be establishing offices on the site, which is at the corner of Columbus Boulevard and Grove Street, preparing for site work in October.

In parallel with the building design and construction, the Center’s exhibit design team is preparing an exhibit concept plan, a key step towards developing the detailed descriptions, renderings and construction of the exhibits themselves. As part of the exhibit planning process, the Center and exhibit designers, Thinc Design and Jeff Kennedy Associates, have interviewed a wide range of residents, teachers, students, and other members of the community. The Connecticut Center for Science & Exploration will spark creative imagination and an appreciation for science by immersing visitors in fun and educational hands-on, interactive experiences. The Center, which is planning a state-of-the-art science center facility as part of Hartford’s downtown and riverfront development initiative, is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing science education throughout the state of the Connecticut, providing learning opportunities for students and adults of all ages, and engaging the community in scientific exploration. The Phoenix Companies, Inc. (NYSE: PNX) is a leading manufacturer of life insurance, annuity and asset management products for the accumulation, preservation and transfer of wealth. Through a variety of advisors and financial services firms, the company provides products and services to affluent and high-net- worth individuals and to institutions. Phoenix has corporate offices in Hartford, Connecticut.Contact:CT Center for Science & Exploration
Michelle Morales – (860) 727-0457 x116

Phoenix Companies, Inc.
Tisa Rabun – (890) 403-6740

Photos

	Dr. Theodore Sergi, president and CEO of the Connecticut Centerfor Science & Exploration, thanks Phoenix for their generous donation of the 2.2 acres of land for construction of the new Science Center. Click for Print Ready Photo.
	Dona Young, chairman, president and CEO of Phoenix, helps Dr. Theodore Sergi, president and CEO of the Connecticut Center for Science & Exploration, unveil the project sign. Click for Print Ready Photo.
	Secretary Genuario from the Office of Policy and Management accepts a framed copy of the deed to the 2.2 acre plot, home of the new Connecticut Center for Science & Exploration, from Dona Young, chairman, president, and CEO of Phoenix. Click for Print Ready Photo