NeighborWorks Southern New Hampshire Embarks on Largest Affordable Housing Project 

For over three decades, NeighborWorks Southern New Hampshire has been helping address housing needs across the state while strengthening the communities it serves. Since 1992, the organization has developed affordable housing throughout southern New Hampshire, providing access to quality housing, revitalizing neighborhoods and creating opportunities for residents to build stability and achieve their goals.  

Now, the organization is undertaking its largest project to date. 

Located on the former Pearl Street parking lot in downtown Manchester’s central business district, the Apartments at Pearl and Orange is a transformative $45 million affordable housing development featuring a five-story building with 126 one-,two- and three-bedroom apartments. Construction is expected to be completed by December 2027. 

According to Logan Johnson, Real Estate Development Project Manager for NeighborWorks Southern New Hampshire, the Apartments at Pearl and Orange represent the largest development project in the organization’s history. Johnson, who has managed numerous projects since joining the organization in 2018, says the development reflects both the growing need for affordable housing and the group’s commitment to meeting that need through innovative partnerships and strategic investment. 

The Power of Local Partnerships 

Projects of this scale require more than vision and planning ─ they depend on strong partnerships among community organizations, developers, investors and financial institutions. In affordable housing development, establishing trusted relationships with local lenders can often make the difference between a project being a concept to becoming a reality. 

Bank of New Hampshire’s involvement in the Apartments at Pearl and Orange project is a prime example of how those relationships can create meaningful opportunities for communities. The bank’s participation is the result of a partnership that has been carefully cultivated over several years by Bambi Lane, AVP – Commercial Banker. 

In her previous role as the bank’s Community Reinvestment Act Officer, Lane developed a strong working relationship with the NeighborWorks Southern New Hampshire team. Through ongoing collaboration and a shared commitment to expanding affordable housing opportunities, she has been, and continues to be, a strong advocate for the organization and its mission in several ways. She championed the bank’s purchase of tax credits for the development of 249 Main Street in downtown Nashua and supported the renovation campaign for 801 Elm Street in downtown Manchester, where NeighborWorks Southern New Hampshire relocated its offices to the second floor.  

That foundation of trust and mutual understanding ultimately positioned Bank of New Hampshire to play a role in the Apartments at Pearl and Orange project. The relationship demonstrates the value of local financial institutions maintaining close connections with community organizations and understanding the unique challenges and opportunities within their markets. 

“As affordable housing projects continue to grow in complexity, having lenders who understand the mission, the financing structure and the long-term community impact becomes increasingly important,” said Lane. “Strong partnerships create opportunities to become involved in this type of project.” 

“Bambi has been great to work with,” said Johnson. “This is our first time partnering with Bank of New Hampshire for this type of project, and we’ve been pleased with the collaboration. The team has been engaged, responsive and committed to helping move the project forward successfully.” 

Investing in the Future of New Hampshire Communities 

The apartments at Pearl and Orange represent more than a new housing development. It reflects a collaborative effort to address one of New Hampshire’s most pressing challenges: expanding access to affordable housing while supporting vibrant, thriving communities. 

For NeighborWorks Southern New Hampshire, the project marks a significant milestone in its 30-plus-year history. For Bank of New Hampshire, it reinforces the importance of building lasting relationships with community partners and investing in projects that create meaningful impact. 

As construction progresses through 2027, the Apartments at Pearl and Orange will stand as a testament to what can be accomplished when mission-driven organizations and local financial partners work together toward a common goal — creating housing opportunities that strengthen individuals, families and communities for generations to come.