Manchester Development Project Moved Forward
NeighborWorks Southern New Hampshire initiated a $70 million affordable housing project in the city.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Remote Work
Live Poll
Is it becoming more difficult for your community to build new affordable housing?
In August 2026, NeighborWorks Southern New Hampshire launched the development of The Apartments at Pearl & Orange in Manchester. The project aims to convert underutilized land into housing and infrastructure.
Why it matters
Rising interest rates and construction costs prompted a shift in the original project design to maintain economic feasibility. The initiative addresses shifting local land use patterns following the pandemic-driven decline in parking demand.
The development costs $70 million and includes 126 affordable apartments priced between $1,100 and $1,800 monthly. The site also incorporates 12 townhomes and a 455-space parking garage.
The players
NeighborWorks Southern New Hampshire
This organization works to create affordable housing opportunities across dozens of communities in New Hampshire.
Lansing Melbourne Group
This firm serves as a development partner for the project in downtown Manchester.
Robert Tourigny
He has served as the leader of NeighborWorks Southern New Hampshire since 2005.
City of Manchester
The local municipal government manages urban planning and issued the initial request for proposals for the site.
The details
NeighborWorks Southern New Hampshire partnered with Lansing Melbourne Group and the city to redevelop the Pearl Street lot. The team modified their plans to split the development, focusing on affordable apartments at the Pearl Street site and market-rate units at the nearby Hartnett lot.
Timeline
1960s: Property served as neighborhood housing and businesses.
1992: NeighborWorks formed as Manchester Neighborhood Housing Services.
2005: Robert Tourigny began leading the organization.
2021: City of Manchester issued request for proposals.
August 2026: NeighborWorks celebrated early stages of the project.
Market Landscape
The project follows the post-COVID-19 decline in downtown parking utilization by repurposing an underused municipal lot for mixed-use housing. This move signals a broader shift as urban centers prioritize residential density over legacy parking infrastructure to counter rising construction costs.
Residents may see an increase in local housing availability with units priced between $1,100 and $1,800. The addition of 455 parking spaces may also change current downtown parking logistics for commuters and shoppers.
The takeaway
Large-scale urban redevelopment projects are increasingly adapting to economic pressures by splitting residential offerings into mixed-rate tiers. This strategy helps developers mitigate financial risks while fulfilling municipal affordable housing mandates.
Further reading
For more on how shifts in urban land use are shaping local housing, visit the Remote Work section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NH Business Review.
Live Poll
Is it becoming more difficult for your community to build new affordable housing?
