Hartford City Commission Approves $13,000 in Emergency HVAC Repairs at Newberry Building

From the Hartford City Redevelopment Commission meeting on May 14, 2026

The Hartford City Redevelopment Commission approved up to $13,000 in emergency HVAC repairs at the Newberry Building, which houses Obi's restaurant, by a 5-0 vote.

The building has three problems. The kitchen exhaust hood's makeup air system pulls in heated outside air during summer, pushing kitchen temperatures into the upper 80s. A condensing unit placed in the basement as a temporary fix for another issue has been generating heat and humidity that repeatedly trips fire alarm sensors, requiring fire department responses. A temporary large fan has prevented alarms for about three weeks. The dining area overcools because the thermostat is poorly positioned.

The $13,000 covers a cooling system for the exhaust hood, moving the basement condenser outside to vent humidity, and relocating the thermostat. A full fix would cost an estimated $30,000 from Sub-Zero Solutions, but the remaining $17,000 in work is being deferred to an anticipated READI grant.

The original HVAC was designed by the contractor without knowing what restaurant would occupy the space. The exhaust hood contractor addressed heating but did not account for cooling needs.

Obi's operates under a graduated six-year lease expiring April 30, 2032.

Source: Meeting transcript — Hartford City - Redevelopment Commission - May 13, 2026

Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.