Belmont Street Apartments

About the Property

Affordable Housing in Manchester, NH

In the Summer of 2010, Families in Transition purchased 2 six unit apartment buildings at the corner of Valley and Belmont Street. Historic maps indicate that the building along Belmont Street was constructed between 1892 and 1896. The building along Valley Street was constructed a few years after the turn of the century. When they were built, they were located a short distance from the Elliott Manufacturing Company's silk mill which stood at the northeast corner of Valley Street and manufactured ladies' underwear. There were also several shoe shops nearby and the Hotel Belmont was located across the street at 290 Belmont Street, adjacent to the Boston & Maine railroad tracks. At the time of the 1920 census, all the tenants of both buildings were of Canadian descent. Most of the tenants at the time worked in shoe shops, but there was also a weaver, a genealogist, a heelscourer, a cigar maker and a truck driver. Rent at the time was between $20 and $25 per month.

By the time these buildings were acquired by Families in Transition, they were in deplorable condition and completely beyond repair. In partnership with Great Bridge Properties, FIT decided to demolish both buildings and build a new 3 story building with 12 apartments. The architect carefully designed this building to fit into the neighborhood and picked up many architectural characteristics of nearby homes and businesses. This property now houses 12 spacious one and two bedroom apartments for women and children who have been through the FIT programs. The construction of this beautiful apartment home was completed in Fall 2011.