Demolition Averted But National Landmark Still Needs Help
Representatives of three organizations that have partnered to save the Concord Gasholder came together to celebrate the beginning of emergency stabilization work on this National Register-listed landmark. The New Hampshire Preservation Alliance, property owner Liberty Utilities, and the City of Concord have worked together over the past 18 months to develop a plan leading to the building’s protection and future use.
This initial phase of the restoration project features placement of structural scaffolding to secure the roof and the broken compression ring that runs around the base of the roof. The major goal of the work is to prevent a catastrophic loss of this last-of-its-kind landmark while providing time for additional planning and fundraising. Passersby will see a small group of steeplejacks and advisors on the site and some evidence of work, but the majority of the activity will be inside the structure.
Left to right: Frank Lemay, P.E., Principal in Charge, President, Milestone Engineering & Construction; Jennifer Goodman, Executive Director, N.H. Preservation Alliance; Carlos Baia, Deputy City Manager – Development, City of Concord; Huck Montgomery, Director, Government Affairs, Liberty Utilities; Rich MacDonald, Vice President of Operations, Liberty Utilities; Tom Evarts, Founder & President, Yankee Steeplejack Company.
Structures North, the engineering firm who drafted the preliminary assessment of the building in December 2020, has created the design for the stabilization. Yankee Steeplejacks Company will perform the work with construction management by Milestone Engineering and Construction.
“This investment serves as a very important “down-payment” said Nicholas Mitchell, chairman of the Preservation Alliance. “There is a lot more to do, but this is a very significant and critical step forward,” he said. Over the last 18 months the Alliance, Liberty Utilities and the City of Concord have worked to develop a plan leading to the landmark’s protection and property’s use.
“Liberty is proud to play a part in this community-led effort to save the Gasholder,” said Liberty-NH President Neil Proudman. “After spending more than a year listening to the community and working with stakeholders, we believe this mutually developed plan is the best option for Liberty’s customers and for the community of Concord. This plan is a win-win – it puts the Gasholder on a pathway for preservation, protects the environment and public health and safety, and will save money for Liberty’s customers compared to any available alternatives. At a time when we all face the generational challenge of fighting climate change, the Gasholder serves not only as an emblem of New Hampshire’s industrial and architectural heritage, but also as a potent symbol of our capacity to transform how we produce, deliver, and consume energy.”
City Manager Tom Aspell noted that “The City of Concord is proud to have helped coordinate the effort to preserve this great community asset for generations to come.”
For this first phase of work, Liberty Utilities will match funds from an anonymous donor that were committed to the Preservation Alliance to challenge others to invest in the landmark’s rescue and revitalization. The phase 1 cost is approximately 20% of the estimated $2.6 million to conduct the first two phases of work. The final use of the property will determine the overall costs.
Liberty is in the process of developing its overall commitment to the project, and the Preservation Alliance has welcomed pledges of interest from individuals and businesses as the final budget is developed.
A preservation/redevelopment feasibility report produced by ADG Consultants (January 2021) for an ad hoc city committee of city councilors and business, real estate and preservation experts emphasized initiating this emergency stabilization as soon as possible as part of a phased approach. The report also underscored the importance of a commitment by Liberty to make the preservation project financially viable, the essential nature of using a mix of private and public funds, and the proximity of the gasholder site to downtown, the Merrimack River, residential neighborhoods and two highway exits.
The Gasholder, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is considered the last of its kind in the U.S. Neighbors, civic and business leaders, and preservationists from across the state and country have emphasized not only the importance of its preservation, but also its potential to serve as a catalyst for community development in Concord’s southern corridor.
The New Hampshire Preservation Alliance listed the Gasholder on its Seven to Save list in 2020 because of its national significance and redevelopment potential after Liberty announced plans to seek a demolition permit due to the imminent risk of collapse. The Preservation Alliance has hosted public forums, helped support redevelopment analysis and nominated the building for historic preservation grants.
The statewide non-profit organization strengthens communities and stimulates local economies by encouraging the protection and revival of historic buildings and places. The Alliance assists approximately 100 landmark community projects each year, and has built a toolbox of resources including direct service, planning funds, incentives and stewardship strategies for property owners and investors to help accelerate preservation activities.