NASHUA, NH – Driving across the main street bridge and looking upstream it’s hard not to notice the cluster of heavy construction equipment scattered on the bank of the river. The construction activity is part of the city’s Downtown Riverfront Development project, a major initiative of the Imagine Nashua Master Plan.
There are three distinct projects underway. Contactor ED Swett is bringing the Cotton Mill Transfer Bridge into ADA compliance by building handicap accessibility ramps. Morin’s Landscaping is revamping the landscape and hardscape of Bicentennial and Rennaisance Parks and Sea and Shore is building the boardwalks over the river. Hayner Swanson is overseeing the project as the owner’s project manager.
The project is running well according to Nashua’s Director of Economic Development Liz Hannum.
“We are ahead of schedule on some things. We have some great contractors who are finding unique ways to do their work, saving us time and a little bit of money sometimes so that’s fantastic,” she said.
The projects represent a significant investment by the city of Nashua Riverfront Tax Increment Financing District funds. The improvements are designed to feature the river, enhance the quality of life in the city, and help drive economic activity.
“We want to start using the river as a focal point for people, for community building and that is what this project is all about, using the River to get people together, having activities downtown, and drawing people,” said Hannum.
The anticipated completion date is spring of 2025 but look for the performance pavilion to be in place this fall. Hardscape and landscape construction will continue into the spring.
Project Manager John Vancor from Hayner Swanson oversees the construction and works to coordinate the contactors on the crowded worksite Commenting on the progress he said “The performance pavilion is going to be a real focal point for the whole project so that is where the energy is really going in the project right now,” Vancor said.
Sea and Shore Contracting has assembled the large spud barge on the river and is starting to do the pile driving for the boardwalks over the river. When completed, a network of boardwalks on both sides of the river will link the parks and complete a continuous pathway. They will resemble the boardwalk that is along Peddlers Daughter
Charlie Stephan, Morin’s Landscaping project manager, says he’s pleased with the progress and the designs they are constructing.
“So far the project is going really well, you know, we are super excited to be working on a project like this. Landscaping is in our name but we are more than great landscapers. We do a ton of hardscaping as a company. The majority of the park is the hardscape features which are going to be the attention-drawing feature that is gonna bring people down here. The big granite block seating around the performance pavilion will look great along with all the new walkways which will tie in well with the boardwalks,”Stephan said.
The riverfront and the two city parks are in mid-makeover but the future features are beginning to take form. Considering the historical condition of the river and its ecological revitalization making it a showcase for the city is an idea whose time has come.
Below: Renderings of the project – click to enlarge.
DAN SPLAINE – Photographer/Contributor
Nashua native Dan Splaine is a commercial photographer who creates images for businesses. A strong belief in the value of local independent journalism, his Nashua roots, and his extensive background in photojournalism make contributing to the NASHUA INK LINK a natural choice.
After working in dozens of countries and throughout the US on assignments Dan will happily go local and turn his lens to capture lives and living in the Gate City. You can see his work and learn about his photography services and workshops by going to his website.