Special Bd. of Aldermen — 5/2/17 Page 3
On that basis, we presented some ideas to the city in May of 2016. Based on feedback, we determined the
best course of action was to consider a couple of things. One, a larger venue capacity that could be for arts
and events that could serve a range of nonprofit groups, commercial promoters and also serve as a downtown
meeting and event menu. We also recommended the development of small and affordable spaces and we’re
wondering if Court Street might be part of that solution. Finally, we advocated for the idea of a downtown arts
district thinking of these pieces that we are recommending as anchors in that district. That then provided Scott
and his firm with the information he needed to start doing his work in the second phase.
Scott Aquilina, Bruner/Cott Architects
What we did starting in the fall of 2016, once the fundamentals were established about the marketing study,
was take on looking at sites in downtown Nashua that would lend themselves to the kind of development that
was suggested by the report. Since there wasn’t any detailed brief about the facility, we developed a model
program. We developed it based on looking at precedence of other theatres and multi-purpose event spaces
that were of this size and character. We developed the model program and then applied the program to
specific sites to see if there was a fit to function and then tried to narrow down those sites moving forward.
As we got started, we had certain architectural and programming aspirations that we were looking to achieve.
That is, something that would be visible, highly accessible and something that would be vibrant and really be
an attraction for downtown Nashua.
We weren't looking to do a single purpose formal theatre. We were looking to models of event venues that
could lend themselves to a lot of different uses. This is actually the Woodman Center in Rhode Island and was
just completed. It’s one room but it does three things very well. It is a theatre, has a stage. The seats can be
retracted and it can become an event center for a community event. It can also be a place where there could
be a party, wedding, etc.
We looked throughout downtown Nashua to find a site that might be appropriate for this kind of development.
Working with a bunch of your leaders, we narrowed it down to five looking forward to what would make this
successful - access to parking, visibility on Main Street or to Main Street, proximity to retail. We know
whatever we build needs to feed off of our current retail and restaurants. We needed an adequate footprint
because a theatre of this size, 350 and the 600 and the 150, has a certain footprint that’s required. There’s
shoulder space that they need. You need a lobby, restrooms, concessions. In the back you need loading,
storage, costume shop, dressing rooms. From our experience in designing performing arts, we have a feeling
for what that footprint might be.
Based on that criteria, we eliminated the Indian Bank building. It’s a beautiful building; there could be a lot
done with it. It doesn’t have the footprint to build the venue and the front and back of house that is required to
support the facility. We eliminated Water Street because it didn’t have any pedestrian connectivity to Main
Street. Spring Street is an open site. We designed a conceptual plan for it. We looked at a building that
would be around 32,000 square feet. We looked at Court Street because it is existing and in a good location.
It has a lot of life in it. We also found Main Street, the corner of Pearl and Main, the former Alec Shoe Store,
and we were immediately excited about the possibilities there.
Court Street came to us as something that really fit a particular need, the 200-300 seat venue and also fitting
the need for local community arts groups. They are currently using it very actively. The vision is that Court
Street is something that the City would continue to maintain. The building has suffered from lack of investment
over the years. It has a lot of advantages and a lot of possibilities. That is not our primary focus, but we think
it merits some investment to sustain the local art community and the small companies.
