About The Factory on Willow
Providing a mixed-use, collaborative space for creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs that fosters creativity, innovation, and success.
The Factory on Willow in Manchester, NH is a 90,000 square-foot, 4-story mill building & former shoe factory built in 1904.
Today, it is a mixed-use residential and commercial property with over 60 studio apartments ,airbnb hotels,event space, food truck patio & distillery. The AiR at the Factory is also home to 6 artists year from all over the world.
History
The Factory on Willow has a rich history dating back to its origins as the W.H. McElwain Shoe Company, one of the largest shoe manufacturers of its time. The factory has been home to several shoe manufacturers over the years, contributing to the "Shoe City" nickname of Manchester's past. In addition, from 1945 to 1947, the Manchester Community College (formerly known as State Trade School Manchester) was housed on the first two floors of the Cohas Factory. The Factory on Willow also served as the home of Electropac, a circuit board manufacturer, for over 30 years. Today, we honor this rich history and look forward to building on this legacy as a vibrant mixed-use property for creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs.
Meet The Founder
Elizabeth Hitchcock, founder of The Factory on Willow, is a technologist and arts advocate deeply involved in New Hampshire’s innovation ecosystem. Recognized as a Union Leader “40 Under Forty” honoree and recipient of multiple leadership awards, she has played a key role in advancing the state’s creative and economic landscape. She founded The Bookery Manchester in 2019 and transformed a historic mill into The Factory in 2021—a live/work community for creators and innovators. She lives in Manchester with her husband and three children.