| Over the last 100,000 years the landscape was greatly influenced by advancing and receding glaciers. Amesbury is a result of a major settlement built along the Merrimack River. Algonquin and Pennacock Indians inhabited the area before the arrival of John Winthrop and a large group of settlers in 1642. A new town called Amesbury was founded when they crossed the west side of the Pow Wow River to settle on shore. Amesbury was originally a gathering point for fishing, ship building, saw mill and later textile factories. Three village centers developed in its colonial period: the Ferry District, , Salisbury Point and Training Field on Portsmouth Rd. Today the village centers of Amesbury and neighborhoods have produced a wide variety of architectural styles: Plantation, Colonial, Greek, Italianate and many more as they evolved. Georgian, Federal and Colonial styled are also present and mixed in with many new condo projects that make the most of unique landscapes and scenes as they blend into what is becoming an even more eclectic landscape of an Amesbury that is still evolving to meet the needs of its historic neighborhoods and rising condo developments. Second Empire, Queen Anne, East Lake, Stick, Shingle and Colonial Revival are a part of the history that condo developers are now trying to enhance rather than to eliminate. The city has started a revitalization based on a ‘workable financial plan,“. recently adopting “smart growth zoning districts.” Modern Amesbury is rich with open spaces, recreational opportunities and condominium developments. Much has been done to preserve and protect the natural environment. Condo residences can view eagles fishing on Deer Island, kayak along the river, peer out over open fields from roosts at their condos or up close and personal while hiking through the fields of Woodson Farm. Wide open spaces are a wonderful back drop for old and new properties. Many conservation areas like Greenspace and Riverwalk make perfect back drops for condos. There are churches, parks, friendly people and more wide open areas are marked for development. . Amesbury has a variety of neighborhoods that evolved during different periods of its history, just as conversions and condo developments are evolving. Distinctive architectural styles were created from Amesbury’s unique history and will be how modern condo developments and conversions redefine it once again, reflecting a new age and enabling new condo dwellers to reflect on a rich past in some of the same renovated buildings that were part of that history. Urban sprawl has made these areas ripe for development: multiuse buildings, condos, apartments, town homes etc. Amesbury is one of 16 Massachusetts communities to receive to receive funds from the state to establish multi-use projects to produce affordable or luxury housing. A downtown Artisan Center is how Amesbury will forge into the future while maintaining much of the architecture of its past for converted living units and small business operations. The city is currently making plans to solidify the downtown’s future, deciding what direction revitalization will take. Zoning changes in traditionally industrial areas will bring small business and housing to unutilized areas. Great condo locations just minutes from downtown near mass transit systems will be a step towards the growth it needs to ensure its future. The Merrimack Valley Planning Commission has forecast Amesbury to be one of the hottest growth communities in the valley. Projects including studios, condos, restaurants, small businesses, and mixed use developments are on the way. Major employers include high technology, defense companies, furniture manufacturers and metal and plastic fabricators.
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