Walk-Through of Bridge Street Waterfront Project

A few weeks ago the city Planning Board approved Phase 1 of a proposed major waterfront development that be a game changer for Nashua. It will open access to an area that currently is secluded and undeveloped, save for some existing light industrial use. 

The Waterfront Prominade and Community Center will include apartments, a community center, shops and a restaurant, creating a new option for downtown living. It is a public/private partnership between the City of Nashua and Renaissance Downtowns.

Curious to see the area, I asked assistant project manager James Vayo to walk me through the project. He recommended good walking shoes.

And he was more than happy to oblige. So, equipped with a camera and a microphone, Vayo and I drove through the existing industrial area before walking up behind the existing skatepark – which will be relocated before the project is launched, Vayo said – and along the river, as he described the project.

You can watch the resulting photo essay, uploaded here.

Groundbreaking should take place by the end of this summer, with construction set for summer of 2014.

About the project, from Renaissance Downtowns project site:

The Waterfront Revitalization project proposes to develop the existing waterfront parcel (Parcel 34-48 Bridge Street) into 228 residential dwelling units.

Other space includes a pool, 4,800 sf for a destination restaurant at the waterfront promenade, and 1,600 sf for community facilities.  

The 228 residential dwellings are designed as rental units, which reflect the market demand for more choice in living options throughout the Nashua region. The dwellings are being developed as studios, one and two bedroom units.  The restaurant is being designed to take full advantage of the view of the river along the promenade, which will provide new public access to the Merrimack River Waterfront.  

The position of the promenade and restaurant will create a destination experience for residents and the public alike.  The proposed waterfront promenade will also compliment the residential component by providing a quality outdoor environment as an extension of the living experience at these dwellings.

Link here for more information.