Mayor James Donchess (right) and Peter Flotz, CEO of the Lansing Melbourne Group celebrate the opening of The Flats on High Street on Feb. 21. Courtesy photo

NASHUA – For the first time in more than a century, a new apartment building has opened downtown.

Located at 44 High St., The Flats on High Street feature 156 units ranging from studios to two-bedroom units with monthly rents starting at $1,790.

Apartment amenities include quartz countertops, chrome hardware and two-inch Faux Wood Blinds. Juliet balconies are also available in certain units. Community amenities include a fire pit arena, pet spa, outdoor gaming area and resident lounge complete with a gourmet coffee bar.

There is also a public parking garage located below the seven-story complex.

“It’s very exciting to add this new housing in a location that’s perfect for walking to all our Main Street neighborhoods have to offer,” said Mayor James Donchess. “More people living and working downtown will help continue to grow our economy and small businesses and add to the vibrancy of our city.”

The Flats on High Street come at a crucial time as the city’s vacancy rate for apartments remains at half of one percent. The average cost of a single-family home has also soared to $437,000, according to Zillow.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the grand opening of The Flats on High Street and to welcome residents to this exceptional new apartment community,” said developer Peter Flotz, CEO of the Lansing Melbourne Group. “It represents an important partnership with the city and will not only provide residents with a superb living experience, but also contribute to the continued growth and vitality of downtown Nashua.”

In addition to the High Street building, the city has responded with housing at Lofts 34 on Franklin Street, Riverfront Landing on Bancroft Street, Monihan Manor on Central Street and the former Indian Head Bank building on Main Street.

Looking ahead, 295 units of housing are planned for the Nimco property with 20 percent of those units categorized as affordable housing.

The federal Environmental Protection Agency has also agreed to cover the majority of the $16 million clean up effort at the 40-acre Mohawk Tannery site. Once the clean up is completed, a 550-unit development will be constructed. Like the Nimco development, 20 percent of those units will also be affordable.