Owner seeks approval to convert interior space at 481 Hanover Street into six residential units; preservation and service details discussed

Sarah Matthew, property owner and project manager for 481 Hanover Street, told the Manchester Planning & Zoning Board on May 1 that she seeks approval to convert internal space to produce six residential units in a historic structure currently taxed as partly finished space. The building has a long mixed-use history and was previously laid out as six condominium units in 1981; Matthew said the intent is to retain the exterior appearance and many interior historic features.

Matthew told the board she expects to install a fire sprinkler system and alarm, reinstate a kitchen on the third floor where plumbing remains, and make minor interior reconfigurations to create a shower and vestibule in one unit. She described plans to avoid exterior changes where possible; if a secondary egress or HVAC mini-split installation is required she said she would seek solutions that minimize visible changes to the street-facing elevations.

Board members discussed waste/garbage placement and suggested landscaping or pavement to screen four receptacles; Matthew said she would explore relocating or screening the trash and add paving and plantings in the near term. Members suggested bike parking as an option to help reduce need for short-term vehicle parking. Staff confirmed there is street parking on Hanover and Belmont and that each of the on-site six parking spaces is expected to be assigned to units; the property is in the Central Business District and staff will complete a formal report and recommendation for a future decision.

The public did not submit comments on this specific application during the hearing. The public hearing closed and the board will review staff recommendations at a subsequent meeting.