Brad Cook
On Sept. 30, Visit Manchester, the nonprofit launched to promote the Queen City, held its kick-off event at the Rex Theatre, where board members, sponsors and Manchester’s Mayor Jay Ruais spoke about the many activities going on in the city, new restaurants and planned events, and the sense of optimism and unity which has spurred the effort.
Newly hired executive director and Manchester resident Jessica Martin, previously holding a similar position in Concord, described her hopes and plans for promoting Manchester as a convention and tourist destination, noting long lines and scarce restaurant reservations on busy Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights when events occur in town.
Along with the city’s economic development director, Jodie Nazaka, whose vision helped create the new entity, the board of Visit Manchester has great plans for its activities, including efforts to spruce up downtown, renew the banner program along Elm Street, and coordinate the use of funds downtown businesses pay to the special city district they inhabit.
Elsewhere in Manchester, there are other signs of activity. Literally hundreds of apartments have been created by converting former office space to residential units, largely by Brady Sullivan Properties, but also by other large building owners, and the resulting renewed population frequent the restaurants, theaters, gyms and other facilities. Trails along the river and beyond have joggers and walkers at almost all hours of the day and into the night.
Generous investments by people like the Singer family, notably Robert Singer, have provided support to institutions like the Elliot Hospital and the Palace Theatre, and his investment in the Union Leader has given that storied newspaper a new look and spirit, a vital component as a common news source for the community and beyond. His Bravo restaurant on Hanover Street, one of many quality restaurants popping up downtown, is a welcome addition, as well.
NeighborWorks Southern New Hampshire’s affordable housing project on the Pearl Street parking lot is rising quickly, promising affordable housing so needed in the city. Reconstruction of the Amoskeag Bridge and paving projects around the city are constant reminders of renewal.
In the Millyard, the effort by the Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute (ARMI) continues to draw investment. The mixed uses in the old Amoskeag Mill buildings confirm the slogan of Visit Manchester, which says “a city that is anything but run of the mill.”
Change is coming in the Millyard, with Southern New Hampshire University having consolidated its online personnel to the River Road main campus, opening up space for new businesses to occupy the renovated mill buildings south of Granite Street, and providing ample parking in the parking garage across from WMUR and near Delta Dental Stadium, home of the Fisher Cats.
Discussion is going on regarding a plan to build a new 22-story, mixed-use building on the Hartnett Parking Lot, adjacent to St. Joseph Cathedral, Grace Episcopal Church, the Carpenter Library and the building that housed the first high school in the state.
Also on the horizon is the sale and redevelopment of the 130-acre Youth Development Center on River Road. Mayor Ruais has appointed a committee to give its recommendations to the state, which owns the property and is marketing it, on future development uses for the property.
There is only one chance to get this right, and the residents of Manchester’s North End, and the entire city, should be interested in how it gets redeveloped, balancing the character of the area with the opportunity to generate new tax revenue for the city. This may be the most important matter on Manchester’s agenda.
Meanwhile, national publications have noticed the Queen City as a great place to live and work, which is always fun to see and hear about from friends around the country. The chamber of commerce continues to promote the city and its business community, and helps other organizations focus on city issues. Additionally, Manchester remains the headquarters of arts and nonprofits.
Manchester remains a healthcare hub for the state, with the Elliot Hospital continuing its history of quality care, Catholic Medical Center reinvigorated after its acquisition by Hospital Corporation of America, and Dartmouth Health having a significant presence, as well.
Education is one of the main businesses in Manchester, with quality public schools hosting innovative programs, private school options and higher education including SNHU, one of the largest institutions in the world in terms of enrollment, UNH Manchester, Manchester Community College and programs from many other institutions of higher ed.
There is much going on in Manchester, for all to discover.
Visit Manchester, NH!
Brad Cook is a Manchester attorney. The views expressed in this column are his own. He can be reached at bradfordcook01@gmail.com.
On Sept. 30, Visit Manchester, the nonprofit launched to promote the Queen City, held its kick-off event at the Rex Theatre, where board members, sponsors and Manchester’s Mayor Jay Ruais spoke about the many activities going on in the city, new restaurants and planned events, and the sense of optimism and unity which has spurred the effort.
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