Nashua Millyard - Jennifer Garcia Design Studio

Nashua Millyard and Broad Street Parkway

Nashua, New Hampshire

Selected as runner-up in the Nashua International Design Competition, the competition was initiated and organized by people interested in the success of the Broad Street Parkway and rebirth of the Nashua Millyard. This proposal attempts to connect with the history and culture of the first community of Nashua workers by respecting all historic buildings. This tactic does not hinder the design process - on the contrary, it creates unique public spaces that will be an asset to residents and visitors alike. Several of these potentially beautiful buildings not only have important history and stories within its brick walls, but also provide a learning told for generations to come.

   For the prosperity and economic health of the existing and future tenants of the milliard, the proposed Broach Street Parkway is detailed as a two-lane community street. The street is designed as a pedestrian-frienly thoroughfare with low speeds so that several modes of transportation can be utilized. The street also connects to the existing and proposed grid network of streets to alleviate traffic congestions that may occur towards downtown. Surface parking lots are contained within blocks and behind buildings to encourage active frontages and streets capes.

   Bronstein Apartments are redesigned to be engaged with the surrounding neighborhood so that the residents may gain a sense of pride and respect for their homes. The street network from the south is designed through the property to provide attractive tree-lined streets with comfortable sidewalks. While the connected building type is kept, the buildings are brought closer to the street as to engage the residents with their neighborhood.

   The northernmost area of the mill yard is subdivided into walkable blocks that may be filled with similar small-industrial uses on the first and second stories, with residences on the upper floors. As currently seen in the neighboring residences in Clocktower Place - this industrial area may be transformed into a desirable, walkable area.