P
Patrick
Guest
very good dodge of a potential argument man, I thought this was going to devolve into a lowell thread
Mayor: Downtown project could add 400 jobs
By MARK HAYWARD
New Hampshire Union Leader
8 hours, 51 minutes ago
MANCHESTER ? Mayor Ted Gatsas and Manchester developer Dick Anagnost are expected to announce a downtown development project this afternoon that could mean 350 to 400 jobs, Gatsas said last night.
Gatsas would not discuss the project in detail last night. But a notice about the 1:30 p.m. announcement said the project calls for using the Rockwell Automation Inc.'s former Allen-Bradley plant on Elm Street.
Closed for the last several months, the plant sits on 10.7 acres downtown, the largest tract of underdeveloped land in the area. It's between Verizon Wireless Arena and Merchantsauto.com stadium.
"It will be an exciting story," Gatsas said about the announcement. "It's going to change the complexion of downtown."
He said the project could generate 350 to 400 jobs, but would not provide details.
Anagnost owns the property, and Rockwell's lease on the property runs until November, according to previous newspaper accounts.
Given its size, the property has been mentioned for several potential projects over the years.
Recently, Anagnost said it could host a casino if New Hampshire leaders allowed slots and casino gambling. It has also been discussed as a potential transportation nexus that could be used as a train station, bus station and park-and-ride lot.
Gatsas ruled out either suggestion.
The announcement is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. at City Hall.
It's great to reuse the structure, but there are certainly some great opportunities for development on this large lot. First of all, the large parking lot is directly along Elm St., which I hear is the heart of downtown. I would love to see something built up along the road. This truly appears to be a prime location, between the sporting venues and all. A few commentators on the Union Leader story mentioned building a transit hub in this spot, which seems ideal. So a grocery store is great but I hope there is more to come.The developers said they are analyzing the building to see how much new construction is needed, but hope to have the project before the Planning Board in July. They have slated the store opening eight months from now.
I'm not sure if this is the same place you are referring to, but I always thought that the lack of density between City hall plaza and the other high rise on what I believe is the west side of elm was very odd. Two 20 story buildings with not much in between. The opposite side of the street has so much more continuity. But, it is shorter, too.