Nashua Downtown Master Plan
After World War II, the integrity of
Benjamin's plan began to erode. In 1984,
the Pilgrim Church was demolished.
Indian Head Plaza, a 6-story office
building surrounded by parking, and a
small park were built on the site of the
Church. One of Nashua’s landmarks was
lost and Benjamin’s plan was weakened.
Other changes since 1960 further
affected the Downtown. Streets were
vacated, traffic patterns changed, build-
ings demolished, and parking lots built in
an effort to accommodate the automo-
bile. These measures were ineffective in
saving Downtown from its slide in the
1970's. Specifically, the Bronstein Apart-
ments, Courthouse Oval, library devel-
opment and Spring/Elm Street Parking
lots, although well conceived, had nega-
tive urban design consequences.
Nashua weathered the 1980's and
early 1990's with studies and projects
that led to important public improve-
ments and traditions, such as the distinc-
tive brick sidewalks. Nashua’s resurgence
in the late 1990's is due in no small part
to a revived appreciation for the City’s
heritage. This was confirmed in the pub-
lic outreach effort, of this study, as it
became clear there was a strong under-
standing and stewardship of the history
and heritage of Nashua. This public
awareness has manifested itself in
restored buildings, civic programming
and events, such as the Holiday Stroll,
vintage signage on private buildings, and
historically-appropriate streetscaping.
These actions have re-established a con-
temporary authenticity to the City, have
created a sense of place, and have made
Downtown Nashua a regional destina-
tion
Asher Benjamin
(bottom) created a plan
(for Nashua where axial
relationships provided
focus on prominent City
structures. Pearl Street
was bookended by the
Nashua Manufacturing
Company and the
Olive Street Church,
(later, Pilgrim Church).
The Hunt Building
terminates Main Street
in the north.
