FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Meghan O'Sullivan
978-264-0707 x201 meghan@ocmarketing.com
City of Lowell Reviews Final Proposals For
the Development of the Hamilton Canal District
(Lowell, MA) – The City of Lowell is in the process of reviewing final proposals from the top three candidates chosen to submit their plans for the development of the Hamilton Canal District, a fifteen acre parcel of land located at the gateway to Lowell’s downtown. The three developers were selected following a national search calling for qualified developers to purchase, design, and implement the creation of a mixed use neighborhood. The three finalists include Struever Brothers, Eccles, and Rouse of Baltimore, MD; Trinity Financial of Boston, MA; and a partnership between the Leyland Alliance of Tuxedo, NY and Cornish Associates of Providence, RI.
"The City is thrilled to have received final proposals from three nationally-recognized developers,” Says Lowell City Manager, Bernie Lynch. “This shows that the development community clearly shares our enthusiasm and excitement about the Hamilton Canal District."
A six-person selection committee comprised of city officials and area stakeholders will review the proposals, conduct interviews, and recommend a preferred developer to the City Council and City Manager in early March. The City Council is expected to name a preferred developer this Spring. Planning and permitting for the development will occur over the following 18 months and construction will begin during either the 2008 or 2009 construction season.
“This is a major development project for the City,” says Lowell City Mayor, William F. Martin. “We will be reviewing these proposals carefully to make the best decision for the city and its residents.”
About Hamilton Canal District
The Hamilton Canal District is located at the confluence of four canals between Middlesex Street, Dutton Street, the National Park Visitor Center, Revere Street and Jackson Street. The Hamilton, Western, Merrimack and Pawtucket Canals will form a magnificent waterfront backdrop for this retail and residential development. In addition to the creation of a new neighborhood, the city is also looking to transform the primary gateway to Lowell by connecting the transportation hubs at the Gallagher Terminal and Lowell Connector with the center of downtown.
“The Hamilton Canal project is certainly unique,” says Assistant City Manager, J. Matthew Coggins. “Lowell has eliminated all the major impediments typically associated with large urban redevelopment projects including land assembly, site clean-up, and permitting. By addressing these issues, Lowell has leveled the playing field between an urban site and the typical undeveloped greenfield site on the suburban fringe.”
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