Building a Stronger Merrimack Corridor
In late 2023, RENU reached a significant milestone in our mission to revitalize the Merrimack Corridor. We conducted a comprehensive Architectural Zoning and Yield Analysis for our proposed development, a study that 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.
Turning Potential into Progress
Lowell is a Gateway City with incredible character and untapped potential. While the project site currently sits in an under resourced neighborhood, RENU sees a clear opportunity for new economy investment.
Our analysis, supported by the technical expertise of ZeroEnergy Design, focuses on transforming these blocks into a mixed use, walkable, and transit oriented destination. By modernizing how we use this land, we aim to create a space that is:
Affordable- Expanding high-quality housing options for Lowell families.
Accessible- Designed for everyone, from pedestrians to transit users.
Safe- Creating vibrant, well lit streets that feel welcoming to all.
A Shared Vision for Lowell
We are not just building structures. We are helping realize the City’s own goals. RENU has aligned our design strategy with 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- Actively supporting the Planning Department’s efforts to modernize city ordinances 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- While this site is capable of yielding over 100 units, RENU is proposing a sensitive infill approach of 75 units. This crucial decision allows us to preserve vital open green space beside the Mercier Community Center, ensuring the neighborhood remains breathable and green.
Block 2- 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.
The Path Forward
We believe that the long term success of 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 and are eager to discuss our recommendations further.
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.