As the first phase of emergency stabilization of the 1888 Concord, NH Gasholder approaches completion this summer, representatives of the team that is advancing the work gathered at the site earlier this month to reflect on their progress and what’s ahead.  

The 5-month emergency stabilization project led by the N.H. Preservation Alliance working closely with property owner Liberty Utilities and the City of Concord is the first step toward preserving and revitalizing the structure. The work features interior structural scaffolding and exterior cabling to secure the roof and the compression ring that runs around the base of the roof. The major goals of the work are to avoid collapse and set up infrastructure for the next phase of work on masonry, roof, and other elements. Passersby may have seen a small group of steeplejacks and advisors on the site and some evidence of work, but most of the activity has been inside the structure.  The team includes Yankee Steeplejack, Structures North, Milestone Engineering & Construction and Bruss Project Management. 

This progress follows over a year of intensive planning. When Liberty Utilities announced in the summer of 2020 that they intended to secure a demolition permit, the N.H. Preservation Alliance approached Liberty Utilities to explore and develop ways to avoid the irreplaceable loss of this last of its kind landmark. 

Liberty pledged funds toward the stabilization. An anonymous donor pledged $500,000 to the preservation initiative and the N.H. Community Development Finance Authority is providing pre-development resources. Individuals from Concord and beyond have supported outreach and planning. 

What's next? The Preservation Alliance will be soliciting information from stakeholders and neighbors about future uses and possible redevelopment partners. The partners will seek public participation in workshops this fall. 

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 national Most Endangered status and a federal historic preservation grant. Joint efforts by the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance, City of Concord, and owner Liberty Utilities are focused on finding a use for the property that would allow for public enjoyment and be a catalyst of future commercial or institutional development along the City’s southern gateway corridor.