AWARD | Factory on Willow Wins PLAN NH Merit Award

CONCORD, NH – Liz Hitchcock – Owner of The Factory on Willow, and her project team received a Merit Award of Excellence from PLAN NH in recognition of having positively impacted the surrounding Manchester community through good planning, design, and development.

“Eckman is proud to have served as the construction manager on the Factory on Willow project,” said Preston Hunter – Vice President of Eckman Construction, “Restoring this former mill building was a true team effort. The beautiful character of this historic structure shines through in every space.”

The adaptive reuse project involved 90,000 sf of renovations to the 118-year-old McElwain Shoe Factory, repositioning the property as a vibrant mixed-use art community. The four-story mill building now features 76 live-work apartments and micro-hotel units, commercial/retail tenant spaces, event space, and generous outdoor areas.

Eckman Construction served as Construction Manager, with design by Market Square Architects, civil engineering by Fuss & O’Neill, structural engineering by TF Moran, and environmental testing provided by GZA Environmental.

Jury Comments:

“The project honors the history of the site while providing 21st century choices.”
“This building is about connections and community.”
“A step in the right direction towards helping to solve New Hampshire’s significant housing challenges.”
“Great example of a true mixed-use development in a blighted neighborhood – this will likely spark further redevelopment in the neighborhood. The project honors the history of the site while providing 21st century choices.”
“New Hampshire has significant housing challenges, especially those that provide quality community experiences. This building is a step in the right direction towards helping to solve this problem.”

Key Team Members: