Reimagining the Merrimack Corridor
In late 2023, ZeroEnergy Design (ZED) completed an architectural zoning and yield analysis for the proposed Merrimack Corridor site development. This study serves as a roadmap for transforming three key blocks west of Downtown Lowell into a vibrant, sustainable, and welcoming community hub.
As part of our commitment to transparency and community engagement, we are excited to share the results.
The Challenge and the Opportunity
Lowell is a Gateway City with incredible character and untapped potential. While the project site currently sits in an under-resourced neighborhood, it is ripe for "new economy" investment. Our analysis focuses on transforming these blocks into a mixed-use, walkable, and transit-oriented destination that respects the existing community while building for the future.
Aligning with Lowell’s Vision
We aren't just building structures; we are helping realize the City’s own goals. Our design strategy is rooted in the Lowell Comprehensive Master Plan, prioritizing:
Livability & Place-Making: Creating spaces where people actually want to spend time.
Responsibility & Longevity: Building for the next generation, not just next year.
Modern Zoning: Supporting the Planning Department’s efforts to modernize the city’s Zoning Ordinance to better serve current and future residents.
Site-Specific Highlights
Our yield analysis provided a detailed look at how to best utilize the available land to balance housing needs with neighborhood character:
Block 1 (The Community Anchor): While this site is capable of yielding over 100 units, our primary design focuses on a sensitive infill approach of 75 units. This allows us to preserve vital open green space beside the Mercier Community Center, ensuring the neighborhood remains breathable and welcoming.
Block 2 (The Corridor Heart): This site is designed for maximum impact, reflecting the City's goals for the Merrimack Street corridor while ensuring we retain significant on-site parking to support local needs.
Block 3 (Strategic Review): Our analysis showed that current zoning makes standard development here inefficient. We are recommending alternative uses for these parcels to ensure the long-term economic health of the area.
The Path Forward
At ZED, we believe that long-term success for affordable housing requires more than just "checking boxes"—it requires a strategy that aligns perfectly with the city’s growth. We have formally submitted these findings to the Lowell Housing Authority (LHA) and RENU.
We look forward to continuing this dialogue with city leaders and—most importantly—with the residents of the Merrimack Corridor. Our goal is to create a development that is healthy, successful, and a point of pride for all of Lowell.