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Demolition of a vacant data processing center near Hartford's minor league ballpark is set to begin as part of a redevelopment plan that includes a potential $90 million applied AI center. The 190,000-square-foot structure will undergo internal work for two months before visible demolition starts.

The project, led by RMS Cos., also includes a $30 million boutique hotel and a parking garage. The total demolition cost is projected at $9.4 million, funded by state and city resources. Hartford aims to secure funding from the state's Innovation Clusters program to support the AI center, which could begin with temporary space and expand over five years. City officials are in discussions with the state about the proposal, which may lead to collaborations with major technology firms.