Redevelopment
Be a pro-active catalyst, partner, investor, and/or owner in property development that enhances quality of place or economic opportunity in Belknap County.
Belknap EDC works to strengthen our communities everyday. Its strategic focus on real estate development projects leverages available economic development resources that can help spur a project toward fruition or help a community develop plans to increase property values and build community.
The most recent and visible project Belknap EDC worked closely with the City of Laconia and many state and federal partners to build the funding stack and plans for the redevelopment of the Colonial Theater block in Laconia. Belknap EDC has led efforts to build capital for the project and is moving forward toward starting construction later this year. The past year has been very productive with community support helping us move this economic development project forward. With more than ten government and private funding partners and more than 300 community leaders investing in the project, we feel the renovated theater and housing/ commercial spaces, will drive economic activity in Downtown Laconia and the region. For more details on the project’s progress, please visit 609mainstreet.org.
A renovated Colonial Theater provides a modern cultural arts facility for the region’s residents and visitors. The 100 plus year old theater is a historic structure of significant character that is important to the Lakes Region’s and New Hampshire’s history.
Additional Belknap EDC Projects
Beacon Street West, Laconia
Belknap EDC provided the first $500,000 in financing for this mill/condo conversion project in downtown Laconia, which sparked interest and eventually financing from other investors.
Scott & Williams Building, Laconia
Belknap EDC provided interim financing for Lakes Region Child Care Center during the conversion of Scott & Williams to Normandin Square in Laconia.
Church Landing, Meredith
Belknap EDC was the sub-recipient of a $330,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the Town of Meredith. Belknap EDC lent these funds to Hampshire Hospitality Holdings for the Church Landing project, which is part of the Inns & Spa at Mill Falls. The project created 18 new jobs.
Riverfront Place, Tilton
Lakes Region Investment Partners (the real estate arm of Belknap EDC) purchased Tilton Endless Belt to save it from being razed, and then invested significantly to mitigate the environmental issues on the site, later selling it to a local developer. The building was beautifully restored and turned into a professional office building called Riverfront Place, which houses multiple local businesses and organizations today.
J.Jill Group, Tilton
Belknap EDC was designated the sub-recipient of a $1 million dollar Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from Belknap County; these funds were lent to J. Jill Group to finance equipment for their new distribution center in Tilton. This project created over 500 new jobs.