Why Choose Downtown Manchester

Grant & Incentive Program Guidelines, Permit Requirements and Resources New Business Checklist Real Estate

Looking to expand or relocate? Consider Downtown Manchester.

Downtown Manchester is the historic commercial center of Manchester. Its broad Main Street and quaint side streets are lined with turn-of-the-century brick buildings that are home to generations of businesses. We offer affordable rents, spaces large and small, and a convenient, central location. Here are some additional reasons to choose Downtown Manchester.

Convenient Location

Downtown Manchester is a vibrant, mixed-use commercial district of retail, office and residential life, It is situated in the geographic center of Manchester, CT and is easily reached via I-394, CT Routes 6 and 44 and carries U.S. Route 83. Main Street is served by the CT Transit System Bus Co. offering multiple stops and regular service.

Vital Business Mix

Downtown Manchester is home to over 200 businesses. Professional offices, business services, retail shops and restaurants can all be found in the Downtown. To view a list of the Downtown businesses, please explore the “Business Directory” page of this site.

Ample Parking

There are over 1,800 free customer parking spaces in downtown.

Contiguous Customer Base

The surrounding neighborhoods have a large residential population that includes over 1,000 rehabilitated historic mill apartments within walking distance of the downtown.

Professional Downtown Management

Much like shopping centers and malls, Downtown Manchester has an entity responsible for its management, marketing, promotion and maintenance. That entity is the Downtown Manchester Special Services District. The District employs a full time downtown manager who is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the District and two Parking Constables assigned to regulate parking within the Downtown. For more information on the Downtown Manchester Special Services District please go to the About the SSD page on this site.

Programs to Bring People Downtown

The Downtown is the site of a diverse array of special events throughout the year that introduce thousands of potential customers to its businesses. For additional details go to the Calendar of Events page of this site.

Available Properties Inventory

The Downtown District maintains an inventory of available properties in the Downtown and actively promotes properties for sale or lease through its website and in print ads. To view a list of available properties please go to the Real Estate page of this site.

Downtown Manchester Market Study

The Downtown Manchester Special Services District commissioned a Downtown Market Study which was completed in December 2011. The reports that were produced as a part of the study can be found below:

New Business Programs

Are you a small business owner planning to start, relocate or expand a business? The Town of Manchester has a new program just for you!

Click the link below to learn more about the New Business Programs!

New Business Programs