We are thrilled to announce that our Mill Girl Stair Replacement Project in Manchester, NH has received a Plan NH Merit Award of Excellence! Members of our team proudly accepted the award at the Plan NH dinner held in Manchester last week.
The Plan NH Merit Awards annually recognize exceptional projects that embody the mission and values of Plan NH, highlighting how the built environment can positively impact communities. These awards celebrate “Smart Growth, Livability, the Triple Bottom Line (social, environmental, and economic benefits), and innovative approaches to collaboration and cooperation.”
Managed by Senior Civil Engineer Marisa DiBiaso, PE, the Mill Girl Stair Improvement Project revitalized the historic Mill Girl statue and its surroundings. The project significantly improved walkability by creating an ADA-accessible ramp and stair structure, connecting downtown to the Millyard and promoting inclusivity. Notable design features also included custom color-changing LED lighting, an anti-graffiti concrete coating, a vendor pad, and a brick courtyard where the community can come together.
Creative collaboration was pivotal, with Hoyle Tanner leading the design and working closely with Manchester Connects, Lavallee Brensinger Architects, Yeaton MEP, and Fieldstone Land Consultants. This collaborative effort ensured effective value engineering, cost efficiency, and timely project completion.
The $1.1 million project culminated in a well-attended ribbon-cutting ceremony in July 2023, marking a significant enhancement to Manchester’s urban landscape. One of the judges remarked, “This project removes a pedestrian barrier and enhances open space and connectivity; it is a prime example of urban infill and meets all criteria for positive community impact.”
