7-Story Mixed-Use Building Planned for Manchester City Block

North Carolina firm Blue Wave Developers has revealed ambitious plans for Solaria, a seven-story, nearly 300-unit mixed-use apartment building in Manchester. Designed by local architecture firm SMBW, the project would span a two-acre block at 401 Maury St., fronting the Maury Street roundabout off I-95.

The tower would rise five residential levels atop two levels of structured parking. It would include roughly 12,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space, signaling a transit-oriented addition to the Maury Street corridor.

Project Scope and Location

Solaria is envisioned as a dense, mixed-use infill project that combines residential units with street-level retail. The building features a bold brick façade with V-shaped vertical cutouts, designed to add both visual interest and durability.

The program calls for approximately 290 units, offering studios, lofts, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom layouts. There are five residential floors above a structured parking podium and a suite of amenities.

The two-acre block sits at a key intersection near the Maury Street roundabout. This location offers direct access to I-95 and a strategic position within Manchester’s urban core.

By-right entitlements under TOD-1 zoning allow Solaria to be a high-density, mixed-use project. The corridor is already transitioning toward more walkable, multi-story development.

Massing and Architectural Concept

Solaria’s design focuses on Class A finishes and a distinctive façade. The V-shaped cutouts in the brick exterior break up the massing and bring daylight into interior spaces.

The building has a contemporary look, using brick, glass, and metal detailing. The design aims to balance durability with urban style.

Design Team and Development Economics

The project is being developed by Blue Wave Developers, a firm active in North Carolina’s multifamily market. SMBW, the local architectural firm, ensures the design meets local codes, climate, and market needs.

The estimated total project cost is about $90 million, reflecting premium finishes and a range of on-site amenities. The capital stack is still being assembled as Blue Wave positions Solaria as a competitive infill project in a market with strong demand for quality rental housing.

Architectural Details and Deliverables

Solaria’s design emphasizes durability and high-quality amenities. The building includes about 12,000 square feet of ground-floor retail and a structured parking deck with roughly 400 spaces.

Amenities are planned to support a high-end lifestyle. The architectural team will integrate robust mechanical systems and resilient materials for long-term use and to handle local conditions.

Amenities and Ground-Floor Retail Strategy

Solaria offers a comprehensive amenity package to stand out in the market. The plan includes multiple pools, fitness facilities, an infrared sauna, a golf simulator, a pet park and spa, coworking spaces, and outdoor terraces.

• Multiple pools and wellness facilities
• Indoor and outdoor gyms with versatile programming
• Infrared sauna and spa amenities
• Golf simulator for recreation and social use
• Pet park and spa for resident convenience
• Coworking spaces to support remote work
• Outdoor terraces and social spaces with city views

Zoning, Approvals, and Timeline

The project moves forward under TOD-1 zoning, which allows mixed-use development up to 12 stories. This by-right approach supports Manchester’s demand for new residential options near transit and major roads.

Blue Wave is working to secure the necessary capital, with construction targeted for early 2027. This timeline matches expectations for late-2020s delivery in similar markets.

Contextual Positioning and Corridor Momentum

Solaria would be the largest recent proposal on the Maury Street corridor, an area already seeing new projects like the Hub and townhouses. The introduction of Solaria highlights a shift toward higher-density, mixed-use urban infill near I-95 and close to employment centers and transit.

Market Context and Construction Outlook

The land was acquired for nearly $5 million three years ago. The project aims to transform a former industrial yard into a high-value residential destination.

The market is seeking sustainable, high-quality housing with on-site amenities. Solaria’s plan includes ground-floor retail, expansive parking, and high-end finishes to meet investor and tenant expectations for Class A accommodations.

If construction begins in early 2027, Solaria could become a defining project for Manchester’s Maury Street corridor. It may also set a standard for future transit-oriented developments in the region.

 
Here is the source article for this story: 7-story mixed-use building planned to fill city block in Manchester