Destination: Gaslight District

The Gaslight District is located in the southern portion of downtown Manchester. Revitalization of this neighborhood may be catalyzed by investment in commuter rail service connecting Manchester to Boston via the proposed Capitol Corridor line. Complementing the structures with historic and culture value, new buildings could accommodate a mix of uses at densities that transform the neighborhood into a “transit-ready” station area in advance of service. Both residential and nonresidential uses would be integrated into the development pattern through infill and redevelopment.

Other enhancements include improvements to the public realm. Specifically, a formal green space as the foreground to the SNHU Arena would open up the view to the building from the Granite Street Bridge vantage point, which is important to the creation of a memorable entrance into downtown from the south side. Visibility of such landmarks also helps orient visitors and aids navigation into and through downtown.

Commuter rail service can be supported with investments in real estate that concentrate housing, jobs and commercial uses around a transit stop. The more intense, mixed-use development would generate transit ridership required to justify the service while advancing the City’s economic development objectives. Building on other investments, such as the SNHU Arena and the Northeast Delta Dental (Fisher Cats) Stadium, development in this area could be supportive of more tourism in the City. New uses could complement the sports-oriented venues. The visitor experience could be further enriched with art and other enhancements that celebrate the special history and character of the neighborhood. The development pattern can be strengthened by improvements that complete trips by transit with reasonable “last mile” options. A walkable environment is key to helping transit riders reach their destinations. Changes can include pedestrian facilities that link people to the next mode of travel (i.e., bus, bike, scooter, etc.) or directly to jobs, shopping, home, or other destinations. Compact development along a connected network of streets, streetscape elements, and other attributes can combine to contribute to the feeling of comfort and safety.

Note: This illustration depicts a concept for the center of the site. The full range of uses that could be supported on this site could be accommodated in the developable portions of the site that lie north and south of the area pictured here.