The team recognized the importance of understanding the relationship between safe infrastructure, economic opportunity, and sense of place. By leveraging underutilized spaces and honoring the city’s history, Manchester has an opportunity to create more inclusive, vibrant, and economically resilient public spaces. Incorporating public art and cultural storytelling into the built environment was also encouraged to reflect Manchester’s unique identity and strengthen community ties.
Based on input gathered during the walking tour and community listening sessions, the Charrette Team developed a series of customized recommendations to address the concerns and aspirations shared by stakeholders. These ideas focused on enhancing downtown Manchester through streetscape improvements, reconfiguration of streets and sidewalks, and traffic calming strategies to create a safer, more accessible environment. The team also explored redevelopment options for the Victory Garage site, proposed ways to revitalize the Arts and Cultural District, and identified opportunities to activate underutilized spaces. Additionally, recommendations include potential updates to zoning and design standards to help guide future growth in alignment with the community’s vision.
Further detail on each of these recommendations is available in the full report.
We were inspired by the energy and vision of Manchester’s residents, stakeholders, and city leaders, and we hope our ideas offer meaningful next steps as the city continues its revitalization journey. A heartfelt thank you to our incredible team of volunteers who generously donated their time and expertise to this effort:
- Anna Wells, Plan NH
- Bob White, RW Landscape Architecture
- Brian Colburn, McFarland Johnson
- Cassie Cashin, Nashua Regional Planning Commission
- Jason Plourde, BETA Group
- Karen Fitzgerald, Toole Design
- Lisa Burk-McCoy, New Hampshire State Council on the Arts
- Nichole Davis, Hoyle, Tanner & Associates, Inc.
- North Sturtevant, JSA Design
- Randy Knowles, The Dubay Group
- Sarah Tupper, UNH Student
- Tiffany Tononi McNamara, Plan NH
Special thanks to our local community hosts who helped make this charrette a success!