ITâS BEEN A LONG TIME coming, but Nashua will soon have a performing arts venue to rival any facility of similar size in New Hampshire and beyond.
Aldermen recently voted 12-3 to approve a $5.5 million bond for the Nashua Performing Arts Center and another $2.5 million bond for a nearby public parking lot. Thatâs in addition to $15.5 million previously approved to convert the former Alecâs Shoe store on Main Street into a 750-seat performance and function facility.
The idea has long been a part of the cityâs master plan. In 2016, the Alecâs Shoe property became available and coincided with a consultantâs recommendation that the arts center be located in the heart of the Main Street district. The idea was put to a nonbinding referendum in 2017 and squeaked by with a vote of 5,167 to 5,012.