Methuen Massachusetts

A BUSINESS & COMMUNITY GUIDE The City of Methuen would like to acknowledge these businesses for their generous support of this publication. City of Methuen Methuen City Hall, Searles Building 41 Pleasant Street, Methuen, MA 01844 The City of Methuen would like to acknowledge Where History Meets Progress www.cityofmethuen.net these businesses for their generous Welcome to the City of Methuen! support of this publication. Methuen is located in the Merrimack Valley with convenient highway access, 27 miles north of Boston and 26 miles from Manchester, New Hampshire. It is a City with a “small town feel” and so much to offer! Methuen is rich with historic buildings and character. We have outstanding school and athletic facilities that are primary attractions for families looking to move into the community. We have an experienced workforce both locally and within the region. The City has a very active Senior Center that provides a wide variety of programs. Methuen is also home to exceptional recreational resources such as the Merrimack River, Forest Lake, and the Methuen Rail Trail. The reconstruction of the I-93 Rotary represents a major investment in the community that will set the stage for future business growth. The rotary project will improve traffic flow and capacity, and open potential development opportunities. More than 100 acres of developable land area exists west of the rotary. The City of Methuen focuses on fostering job growth and implementing business- friendly policies. We are a designated Economic Target Area by the state, which enables new and existing businesses to apply for tax incentives when relocating or expanding in our city. We also have local tax incentives that we are able to offer to potential businesses. If you would like more information about relocating or expanding your business in Methuen, please contact our Director of Economic and Community Development, William Buckley, at 978-983-8565 or [email protected]. Methuen is Open for Business.

DEMOGRAPHICS:

Population - 49,112 – (2014) Methuen is served by the Merrimack Valley Regional Transit County - Essex Authority’s bus service and the nearest rail station, part of the MBTA Median Household Income - $67,768 Commuter Rail, is nearby in South Lawrence. Amtrak is located a short Median Resident Age - 39.8 years distance in Haverhill. The Lawrence Municipal Airport is located in nearby 22.4 square miles North Andover. Population density is 2,166 people per square mile Mean travel time to work (commute) is 26.3 minutes Housing Data: • Tax rate for 2015, residential property is $14.60/$1,000 Ideal Location: • 754 housing units per square mile Methuen is located 27 miles north of Boston, 11 miles north of Lowell, • 10,726 number of single family parcels 26 miles from Manchester, New Hampshire and 236 miles from New York • 16,885 housing units City with convenient highway access to Routes 28, I-93 and I-495. • 72.2% homeownership rate

Transportation: Methuen has exceptionally good highway and rail facilities linking the major cities and towns to each other and to the port, airport, and intermodal facilities of Boston.

“I-93 Restructuring” Start Date - July 2014 • End Date - Spring 2018

The project will alleviate traffic congestion and improve safety. The key components of the project include: Building a new I-93 southbound on-ramp and off-ramp to a realigned Route 110/113 Realigning two existing off-ramps Constructing new signalized intersections east and west of the interchange Constructing two noise barriers Adding bicycle lanes and sidewalks for improved and safer access

This publication is Published & Distributed by: All design and text is provided by Global Design & Publishing, LLC in collaboration with The City of Methuen, Massachusetts. All text and images have been carefully compiled for this publication. However, we do not guarantee the accuracy of the content. GDP Photography by: Jim Tourtellotte (additional photos provided by Global Design & Publishing, LLC). Copyright ©2016, GLOBAL DESIGN & PUBLISHING LLC Global Design & Publishing, LLC. Any reproduction without our written permission is prohibited. METHUEN MASSACHUSETTS 3 860-963-0414 • [email protected] METHUEN MASSACHUSETTS 3 www.gdpublishing.com Where HISTORY Meets PROGRESS…

irst settled in 1642 and officially incorporated in 1726, the City of Methuen, MA retains a culture Frich in history with a community committed to progress. This uniquely shaped City lies along the north banks of the Merrimack River, in the beautiful Merri- mack Valley, and is located just 30 miles north-northwest of Boston and 25 miles south-southeast of Manchester, NH. Methuen’s Downtown location along the Spicket River Falls forged its success during the height of the United States’ industrial growth in the early 1800s. The Nevins’, Tenneys’ and Searles’ families played a signifi- cant role in Methuen’s history and development, as they were instrumental in founding many of Methuen’s land- marks that still stand strongly today.

Methuen City Hall

4 METHUEN MASSACHUSETTS City of Methuen Departments

“The City Known as the Notable Structures: Assessing Department Mayor’s Office Where HISTORY Meets PROGRESS… Town of Methuen” Nevins Memorial Library - 305 Broadway. (978) 983-8530 (978) 983-8505 Historically, due to its town meeting- Built in 1883 to honor David C. Nevins, Sr. City Council selectmen form of government, Methuen as a memorial gift. In adition to function- Office of Economic (978) 983-8510 & Community was known as the Town of Methuen, until ing as a state of the art resource center, the Development it adopted a charter replacing its govern- library is also the custodian of the Nevins Community Development (978) 983-8560 ment to that of a city mayor-city form, Memorial Library Historic Collection. Division (978) 983-8560 Office of the City Clerk indicative of most cities. In a gesture of (978) 983-8515 traditionalism, the community retained The Searles Building - located at 91 Pleasant Conservation Division the name “Town of Methuen” in its Street, serves as the Town Hall. (978) 983-8650 Office of the Treasurer/ Collector charter, but for legal purposes, became Emergency Management (978) 983-8517 known as “The City Known as the Town Tenney Castle Gatehouse - 37 Pleasant (978) 983-8698 of Methuen”. Today, it is simply known as Street. Originally a two-storied rough stone Office of Veterans Fire Department “The City of Methuen”. farm house built in 1830, it is the only sur- Services (978) 983-8940 (978) 983-8585 viving element of the large estate of Charles H. Tenney. Health Division Planning Division (978) 983-8655 (978) 983-8560

Methuen Memorial Music Hall - 192 Highway Department Police Department Broadway. Built in 1909 by Edward Francis (978) 983-8892 (978) 983-8698 Searles to house “The Great Organ”, a very Business Line Transfer Station large pipe organ that had been built for the (978) 983-8865 Public Works Boston Music Hall. Highway Dept. (978) 983-8545 Housing Authority (978) 983-8892 (978) 682-8607 Transfer Station Today, the Searles Tenney Nevins Historic District, established in 1992, preserves the Human Resources Recreation Department distinctive architecture and rich charac- (978) 983-8580 (978) 983-8590 ter of one of Massachusetts’ most unique Inspections Division Senior Center neighborhoods. (978) 983-8625 (978) 983-8825

David C. Nevins Charles H. Tenney Edward F. Searles

Methuen City Fathers Nevins - David C. Nevins, Sr. was a wealthy New England Industrialist with great public spirit and generosity.

Tenney - Charles H. Tenney became one of the most successful commissioned merchant and hat dealers in the world.

Searles - Edward F. Searles was born and raised in Methuen. Son of a cotton mill worker, Charles married a wealthy widow which allowed him to pursue his passion for architectural and interior design.

METHUENMETHUEN MASSACHUSETTSMASSACHUSETTS 55 “Where HISTORY Meets PROGRESS… At WORK”

ethuen is a place that has a long history of economic develop- A Business Success Story! ment through business enterprise. Industrial growth in the 1800s “We purchased the property at 147 Mstrongly influenced Methuen’s progress. Methuen cotton mills Pelham Street in the spring of 2011. at Spicket River Falls lead to the increased manufacturing of hats, shoes and After 20 years of neglect, the building was in terrible shape. We completely textiles in small factories. Today, Methuen is home to several family owned restored it into a beautiful, modern and operated manufacturing companies, producing a range of things from medical office building of 45,000SF. environmentally friendly packaging products to surgical robotic positioning We couldn’t have done it without the systems. Manufacturing in Methuen remains an important and vital part of its help of the city of Methuen. continued development. The city shared in the development of this property by granting us tax Incentive financing (TIF). We started In addition to a strong and historic manufacturing base of business, Methuen is host to our company in Methuen with just numerous retail and service oriented businesses as well, with the Loop, perhaps, being the my partner, Brandon Howes and most popular choice to visit. The Loop, 90 Pleasant Valley Street, is home to over 30 shops, services and eateries, as well as housing a 20 screen, state of the art, movie theater. myself. Comfort Home Care now Developed on the site of a former shopping mall, the Loop is a place where there is always employs over 420 employees. We something exciting going on. could not have grown our company to be the second largest employer in Other businesses ranging in Services, banking, medical and retail fill both the City’s the city if not for the help from the historic and developing spaces. Mayor and every one at city hall. The city is very pro business and wanted The Loop- Merchant Directory to help create an environment Major clothing stores: Marshalls, Old Navy, Gap and Gap Kids, Dress Barn, LOFT, Olympia Sports, Bath & Body Works, Famous Footwear that allows companies to grow and Restaurants: Friendly’s, Not Your Average Joe’s, Olive Garden, Orange Leaf, Starbucks, prosper. I am always hearing of other T.G.I.Friday’s, Wendy’s Other: Super Stop & Shop, Chuck E. Cheese’s companies complaining that they get no help from city or town officials. I Largest Employers in Methuen tell them to come to Methuen. Holy Family Hospital – 70 East Street, holyfamily-hospital.org Comfort Home Care – 147 Pelham St, chcnursing.com I would like to take this opportunity 3M Touch Systems – 501 Griffin Brook Drive, solutions.3m.com to thank Mayor Zanni and all the folks North Reading Transportation – 55 Hampshire Road, nrtbus.com at city hall for helping to contribute to the success of Comfort Home Care. I look forward to continuing the great relationship between the city and our company. I am sure Methuen will continue to help busi- nesses grow and prosper. That is what makes Methuen a great place to bring your company to.” — John Cook

Voted #1 Company in Massachusetts by the Boston Globe in 2014 and Comfort Home Care employees voted to make it the #2 Top Workplace in the whole state of Massachusetts. 6 METHUEN MASSACHUSETTS The Loop

Business Resources: Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce - the largest business to Office of Economic & Community Development - Promoting business network serving over 1,000 businesses in the Merrimack economic development, fostering and monitoring neighbor- Valley including Andover, Lawrence, Methuen, North Andover, hood development, and improving the overall quality of life in Haverhill, Lowell and Southern NH. Methuen continue to be the primary objectives of the Methuen www.merrimackvalleychamber.com department of Economic and Community Development. www.cityofmethuen.net Merrimack Valley Means Business - A regional marketing and development initiative, developed by the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission, that highlights priority development Tax Incentives projects and provides quick links to key municipal officials, zoning Focusing on job growth through small businesses, Methuen information and community organizations. mvmb.biz offers a tax incentive program to draw businesses into the The ValleyWorks Career Center (VWCC) - A One-Stop career City through the State’s Economic Development Incentive center, providing a wide range of services to job seekers and Program (EDIP), which provides tax credits for businesses businesses, youth to adults in the Merrimack Valley. that foster job creation and stimulate business growth. In www.valleyworks.cc addition to State incentives, Methuen has approved Tax Incre- ment Financing (TIF) to provide businesses a break on paying property taxes on any new value from facility improvements.

Methuen Board of Trade - Established in 1922, this is an associa- tion for the advancement of the business, civic and social welfare of the city of Methuen.

Massachusetts Office of Business Development - This is the State’s One-Stop source for businesses seeking to relocate to Massachusetts and businesses wishing to expand their current operations here. www.mass.gov

Massachusetts Economic Development Incentive Plan (EDIP) is a tax incentive program designed to foster job creation and stimulate business growth throughout the Commonwealth. Par- ticipating companies may receive state and local tax incentives in exchange for job creation, manufacturing job retention and private investment commitments. www.mass.gov

METHUEN MASSACHUSETTS 7 “Where HISTORY Meets PROGRESS… In LIVING”

Methuen is located along the north banks of the Merrimack River in the beautiful Merrimack Valley. Methuen is a place of many contrasts, reflecting its 19th Century development as a busy factory town. Three millionaires and their families made their homes in Methuen providing jobs, creating important city structures, churches, mills and elegant estates. Home to many historical landmarks including the Methuen Me- morial Music Hall and Nevins Memorial Library, this city is rich in history and culture.

Methuen offers exceptional recreational opportunities for its residents and visitors. The Grey Court State Park, built atop the restored ruins of the Charles H. Tenney estate, features wooded walking trails and scenic landscapes. The Methuen Rail Trail Regency at Emerald Pines connects three communities in northeastern Massachusetts as it follows the route of by Toll Brothers Active the former Manchester and Lawrence Branch of the Boston and Maine Railroad. The Living® is an active-adult com- trail runs through Methuen and crosses the Nevins Bird Sanctuary then leads to the munity of single-family homes with historic Methuen Railroad Depot built in 1907. first-floor master suites and will include first-class amenities located just minutes from I-495 and I-93 of- fering low-maintenance at its finest! At Regency at Emerald Pines, sweeping oak trees and peaceful nature provide a tranquil setting for this community located in Methuen, MA. Regency at Emerald Pines offers a variety of award-winning, ranch-style and 2-story home designs with the ability to select hundreds of customizing luxury op- tions to build your dream home. The planned resort-style amenities include; a clubhouse with lounge, fitness center, heated outdoor pool, tennis and boc- ce courts, putting green, and garden center. Regency at Emerald Pines is the place where you can create your own perfect country club lifestyle.

Toll Brothers Active Living® is the active-adult development division of Toll Brothers, Inc., the nation’s leading builder of luxury homes.

Interested homebuyers can get Located in close proximity to Boston, Lowell and Manchester, New Hampshire, residents more information by calling of Methuen enjoy easy access larger cities for exceptional dining and entertainment. 978-557-5511 or visiting Within Methuen, The Loop offers shopping, dining and a state-of-the-art movie theater. RegencyAtEmeraldPines.com. Plus family fun at JayGee’s IceCream and Fun Center.

Advertisement The students of Methuen receive an excellent education and have easy access to nearby colleges and universities. Families and seniors are well cared for through local family and healthcare services. The City of Methuen is a great place to live and raise a family.

8 METHUEN MASSACHUSETTS Greycourt State Park Greycourt State Park

Outdoor Living: Family Fun: With more than 27 City owned parks and playgrounds outdoor JayGee’s IceCream and Family Fun Center has been serving recreational opportunities abound, so whatever the season, there homemade ice cream and providing family entertainment to is always someplace to go and something to do! families across Massachusetts’ Merrimack Valley and Southern New Hampshire since 1983. Today, the family owned and oper- Long standing Festivals: ated business has 2 locations. The Methuen, MA location offers Family Fall Festival - There are numerous family friendly activities Homemade Ice Cream and an amusement center which includes including a costume contest and pumpkin decorating. Go-Karts, Batting Cages, Bumper Cars, an Arcade & Party Place, as well as a brand new, beautifully designed Safari Miniature Golf Festival of Trees - A marvel of the Merrimack Valley for over two Course. Jay Gee’s Fun Center also provides birthday parties and decades, a family celebration of the sights group outings for schools and group orga- and sounds of the Holidays. nizations. In July 2012, Jay Gee’s expanded over the border and opened their second Taste of the Festival - A gala event featur- location serving Homemade Ice Cream in ing food items from some of the region’s Salem, NH, which is open year round. best restaurants. The Methuen YMCA offers a variety of Outdoor Parks & Recreation: programs based on the interests and needs Methuen Rail Trail - A 2.4 mile trail through of the community, particularly those of our the heart of the City and suitable for walk- youth. methuen.mvymca.org ing, hiking or cycling. The Loop offers shopping, dining, and a movie theatre featuring Forest Lake - This 55 acre natural great pond offers an stadium seating, digital surround sound, RealD 3D feature films abundance of activities as well as being the perfect place for and IMAX. www.attheloop.com bird watching. Nicholson Stadium Greycourt State Park - A 24-acre park built atop the restored Nicholson Stadium is the newly renovated and expanded home of ruins of the Charles H. Tenney estate. It offers wooded walking the Methuen Rangers, named after Rogers’ Rangers, the precursor trails, scenic landscapes and plays host to the City’s annual Fall of the US Army Rangers, which was founded by town resident Festivals, among other events. Robert Rogers. Completed in 2015, the Stadium is an example of an investment in children for the betterment of the City. Merrimack River - The River forms approximately seven miles of the City’s southern border with numerous walking trails, beaches and boating opportunities.

METHUEN MASSACHUSETTS 9 JayGee’s Festival of Trees (Photo courtesy of The Simon Group) JayGee’s Tenney Grammer School Education

The Methuen School District is comprised of four K-8 Gram- The St. Ann’s Home and School provides a continuum of assess- mar Schools, a new State of the Art High School, and an Adult ment, treatment, educational, and community-based services for Education Facility with a district-wide enrollment of approxi- children, adolescents, and young adults who present with a variety mately 7,000 students. The high school offers a broad range of of mental health, emotional, and educational challenges. opportunities with newly renovated and state of the art classrooms www.st.annshome.org equipped with all the technology necessary for 21st Century learning. The City of Methuen has a history of strong support for Presentation of Mary Academy the educational system that serves the residents of Methuen. Located on the historic Searles Estate in Methuen, Massachusetts, www.methuen.k12.ma.us Presentation of Mary Academy is a Catholic, college preparatory high school for young men and women. PMA provides students Public Schools with a quality education that has been integrating Catholic beliefs Elementary – Pre K- grade 8, High School grades 9-12 and values with academic excellence since 1958. Methuen High School-2000 students. www.pmamethuen.org Four Elementary Schools: • Comprehensive Grammar School The Greater Lawrence Technical School is a regional technical • Tenney Grammar School high school serving the four communities of Andover, Lawrence, • Timony Grammar School Methuen and North Andover. It is fully accredited by the New • Marsh Grammar School England Association of Schools and Colleges. The school is located in Andover in close proximity to colleges, business and Private Schools industry. It is accessible by major highways and is situated in an Saint Monica’s Catholic School offers a strong, Catholic educa- area that has seen major growth of high-tech business and tion from grades K through 8 for students throughout the Merri- industry. www.glts.net mack Valley and Southern New Hampshire. www.stmonicamethuen.org Additionally, there are seven colleges/universities all within 22 miles of the City of Methuen.

Quote from Superintendent, Mrs. Judith A. Scannell: “We are steadfast in promoting a positive attitude and fostering an environment of accountability. We continue to be encouraged by our strong efforts and track record of student success, yet we will not rest on our laurels. Our District commitment “Success for all Students” speaks to the tremendous potential in each of our students to achieve academically and socially. The City of Methuen has a history of strong support for the educational system that serves our children. As Superintendent I am proud of the quality of our teaching staff, and our Administrators, the increasing involvement of our parents and, the efforts and progress of our students in Methuen Public Schools.”

10 METHUEN MASSACHUSETTS Healthcare

Holy Family Hospital — “One of America’s Top 100 Hospitals

For more than 60 years, Holy Family Hospital has had a long tradi- Comfort Home Care is a home health agency that specializes in tion of providing world-class care, with compassion and respect, to dealing with two vital areas of need caring for those adults with the residents of Merrimack Valley and southern New Hampshire. acute and chronic mental health issues, as well as offering tradi- Our award-winning care is based on our commitment to clinical tional elder care services. www.chcnursing.com quality and unsurpassed service excellence. Holy Family Hospi- Tenney Grammer School tals’ commitment to helping our communities stay healthy and Greater Lawrence Family Health Center (GLFHC) works to safe goes far beyond our walls. We know that a healthy commu- improve and maintain the health of individuals and families in the nity is more than just the absence of illness. As your community Merrimack Valley by providing a network of high quality, compre- hospital, we respond to major health needs, promote healthy hensive health care services and by training care professionals to eating and active living, support safer neighborhoods, and improve respond to the needs of a culturally diverse population. With six overall wellness through our community health programs and locations in Lawrence and Methuen, GLFHC is a leader in family community outreach. Ranked among the top 2% of more than medicine in the region. www.glfhc.org 4,500 hospitals nationwide by Healthgrades, 2015 for consistent, year-over-year superior clinical performance, Holy Family Hospital Methuen Village at Riverwalk Park offers local seniors service-en- remains a leader in quality health care. riched Assisted Living and a secure residential Compass Memory www.steward.org Support Neighborhood for those with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. www.seniorlivingresidences.com Child Health Center in Methuen, is dedicated to providing high- quality, world-class pediatric care for children. The team at Child Since 1906, Nevins Nursing and Rehabilitation Centre has been Health Center has decades of medical experience, and has gained providing comprehensive medical, nursing and rehabilitative care a reputation for exceptional health care in the Merrimack Valley for individuals whose function has been impaired by injury, illness area. New patients are always accepted. The Child Health Center or aging. Programs are designed for those patients needing both is part of a network of practices affiliated with Boston Children’s short term rehabilitation in order to return home and those need- Hospital, the number one ranked pediatric hospital in the US. ing long term care and services. www.nevinsfamily.org www.childhealthcentermethuen.com

Holy Family Hospital

NATICK MASSACHUSETTS 11 Methuen Massachusetts Where History Meets Progress.

Methuen is a City with a small town feel. The principles of hard-work, industry and integrity that built the City centuries ago still propel the City forward today. It is a place “Where History meets Progress…”

• Located in the Merrimack Valley • Business friendly policies and local tax incentives • 27 miles north of Boston, 11 miles north of Lowell, and 26 miles from Manchester, • Home to successful thriving businesses such New Hampshire as 3M Touch Systems, Comfort Home Care and Holy Family Hospital • Convenient access to air, highway and commuter rail facilities • Outstanding schools and athletic fields

• Educated & experienced workforce • Local services for families & seniors

If you would like more information about relocating or expanding your business in Methuen, please contact our Director of Economic and Community Development, William Buckley, at 978-983-8565 or [email protected].

Methuen City Hall, Searles Building, 41 Pleasant Street, Methuen, MA 01844 978.983.8560 • www.cityofmethuen.net