Renaissance 8 - Silver Mill

NeighborWorks •Manchester, NH

In 2004, NeighborWorks Greater Manchester acquired a 65,000 square foot four story brick mill building that was constructed as part of the McElwain Shoe Company complex. Their intention: to convert the property into affordable housing. The building was constructed in two parts - the first two floors, in 1916, the second two floors in 1930. Today, there are 57 one, two, three and four bedroom apartments in the structure.

Of particular challenge to the building's design were the windows. Constructed as 5'-0" wide and 8'-0" tall openings, they were too large to remain as single, double-hung windows and operate comfortably. The resulting design included dividing the openings in half with transom lights above double operating sash. These smaller sash units are easier to operate, and the masonry openings remain true to the original aesthetic.

The facility filled with tenants almost immediately upon opening. Renaissance 8, or Silver Mill, as it was called, was recognized in 2008, by the Manchester Historic Association with a Preservation Award.