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HARTFORD, Conn.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--The [ Phoenix Companies, Inc. ] (NYSE:PNX) has begun extensive renovations of the plaza surrounding One American Row, its Hartford, Conn., headquarters known as the aBoat Building.a When it is completed, most of the sections covered with brick pavers will be replaced with environmentally friendly planted areas.

"The success of the iQuilt Plan depends on the participation of multiple property owners, and we are pleased the timing of our much-needed plaza renovations made it easy for us to incorporate iQuilt elements into the design"

The reconstruction plans are consistent with the goals of Hartfordas [ iQuilt Plan ], which uses creative urban design to strengthen pedestrian links between downtown destinations. The iQuilt Plan lists the Phoenix Boat Building as one of the cityas important cultural destinations. Phoenixas plaza, which connects seamlessly to Constitution Plaza and Riverfront Plaza, is also part of the East Coast Greenway, a designated bicycle route extending from Maine to Florida.

aThe success of the iQuilt Plan depends on the participation of multiple property owners, and we are pleased the timing of our much-needed plaza renovations made it easy for us to incorporate iQuilt elements into the design,a said Bonnie J. Malley, executive vice president for Phoenix, who serves as the iQuilt Partnership Board Chairperson.

The project grew out of the need to address practical concerns, as the plaza serves as the roof of Phoenixas ground-level offices and was last renovated nearly 30 years ago.

The reconstruction will take place in two stages, with the south and east sides completed this year and the north and west sides completed in 2013. It is among several iQuilt projects underway or planned to begin next spring.

ABOUT THE aBOAT BUILDINGa

Known locally as the aBoat Building,a Phoenixas headquarters was the worldas first two-sided office building and remains a major architectural landmark in Hartford, Connecticut, and a significant example of the Modernist architectural style. Completed in 1963, the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and holds the Silver Leed certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

ABOUT PHOENIX

The Phoenix Companies, Inc. (NYSE:PNX) is a boutique life insurance and annuity company serving customersa retirement and protection needs through select independent distributors. Headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut, Phoenix has a history of keeping its promises since 1851. For more information, visit [ www.phoenixwm.com ].

ABOUT THE IQUILT PLAN

The iQuilt Plan is a culture-based urban design plan for downtown Hartford that aims to integrate its cultural sites and institutions, including museums, performance spaces, historic landmarks, modern architectures and public art. The Plan links those destinations with a vibrant and innovative pedestrian network centered on the GreenWalk, a one-mile chain of parks and plazas connecting the Capitol in Bushnell Park to the waterfront of the Connecticut River. For more information, visit [ www.theiquiltplan.org ].