Nashua Downtown Master Plan
First, there is an immediate demand
for affordable housing. Downtown
Nashua is the historic center of a fast-
growing and affluent sub-region (con-
sisting of Amherst, Brookline, Hollis,
Hudson, Litchfield, etc.) With its plenti-
ful supply of smaller and older homes,
Downtown Nashua has experienced sig-
nificant growth in the low and moderate
income populations.
UR EAN DESIGN assocrates Nashua Downtown Master Plan
1 Residential Strategies
Bronstein
Apartments
The revitalization of
this public housing area
located near the heart
of Downtown into a
mixed-income
community is a great
great opportunity for
urban residential
development.
UR EAN DESIGN assocrates Nashua Downtown Master Plan
I Econo mic Development GREAT DOWNTOWNS ARE Diverse. They center a region by 27
Strategies serving a substantial list of needs for a variety of residents.
With a stable and established Main Street North, Downtown
Nashua must now diversify and expand its economic base by
increasing investor confidence and by serving the needs of a
broader cross-section of City residents.
es Nashua Downtown Master Plan
Market Strategies
URBAN DESIGN ASSOCIATES
ui Urban Design Principles
Nashua Downtown Master Plan
THE UDA TEAM, in conjunction with city staff, developed sev- 25
eral urban design principles prior to the design charrette. These
principles acted as a compass for the direction of the Master
Plan development. Design exploration at the charrette was
pursued under the guidance of the following principles:
1
2
MO um Ff
9
Preserve and celebrate the history of Nashua.
Reconnect Downtown to the surrounding neighborhoods.
The Master Plan
establishes strategic
locations in Downtown
Nashua where design
efforts will lead to
Surther cultural and
economic development.
Nashua Downtown Master Plan
A central park or gathering place
A major riverfront park
Diversity of uses Downtown - edu-
cational, arts, performance and cul-
tural
Further diversify Main Street with
housing above retail buildings
A coordinated parking strategy
Continued support for local busi-
nesses versus national franchises
UREAN
Strength: The
Nashua Public
Library
Nashua’ Library is an
excellent resource;
however, it suffers from
poor visibility and
access.
DESIGN ASSOCIATES
Strengths (continued)
Amenities
* Riverfront park investments
+ Library is a well-organized resource
center for the City
* Multitude of churches and institu-
tions
+ Transit center
* Rail trail and other developing trail
connections
+ Low taxes
Weaknesses
Nashua Downtown Master Plan
At each focus group meeting, inter-
view and public meeting, participants
were asked the same three questions:
1 What are the strengths of Down-
town Nashua?
2 What are the weaknesses of Down-
town Nashua?
3 What is your vision for the future?
The Downtown assets considered
strongest and cited most frequently
related to its character character and its
sense of place created by the pedestrian-
friendly environment on Main Street
North.
UR EAN DESIGN assocrates Nashua Downtown Master Plan
11 Summary of Interviews
and Focus Groups
THROUGHOUT THE FALL OF 2002, the UDA team conducted ar
interviews and focus group meetings. Focus groups included:
City Planning Staff
Nashua Historical Society
Nashua Police Department
Nashua Fire Rescue
Aldermanic Planning & Economic Development
Committee
Nashua Regional Planning Commission
Nashua Public Works Division
Nashua Downtown Master Plan
views, focus groups meetings, public
meetings and open houses, culminating
ina public design charrette.
