On the other hand, it's hard to deny American space users the benefit of so cheap a service.

"I realized that it is often difficult for small space users to find what they need," he said.

That kind of deal usually goes to the very, very large space users.

Smaller space users have more options than they once did.

But another lift, he said, has been financial incentives available to developers and space users.

That backtracking, however, has been more than offset by the activity of other space users.

"So we are encouraging the development of commercial projects that will provide inexpensive space to small space users."

These space users, it said, need to become more aware of the danger.

Of course, for big space users, few loft buildings are practical.

Commercial space users in downtown Hartford continue to move out to the suburbs.