A historic commercial building on Main Street in Contoocook is undergoing renovations to bring much-needed affordable housing to the area.
Built in the 1850s, this three-story building on 902 Main St., which houses popular local businesses Indigo Blues and Maple Street Mercantile, is getting a new lease on life thanks to Hopkinton residents Michael and LeeAnne Vance.
The Vances purchased the building in 2020 after the previous owner passed away.
LeeAnne owns Indigo Blues and has been renting the space for almost 10 years. When the owner’s family approached the Vances about purchasing the building, they seized the opportunity.
Their project involves converting the upper floors into apartments, balancing modern comforts with the building’s historic character.
“It is one of the primary buildings that houses businesses in the town. It has sat right at the center of town for 105 years,” said Michael emphasizing the building’s significance. “Everybody points to the building. Everybody knows that building.”
The third floor has been transformed into a spacious one-bedroom apartment, where the Vances will soon reside.
Michael said that it was previously an Odd Fellows Hall but has been unused for at least 75 years
Meanwhile, the second floor, originally home to three one-bedroom apartments, is undergoing a complete overhaul.
When the Vances acquired the property, only two of these units were occupied.
Now, they are updating appliances, carpets, and windows to create a welcoming living space. The apartments on the second floor are expected to rent for $1,200 to $1,500 a month.
At the request of the local fire chief, a fire sprinkler system has been installed for around $135,000. The building also lacked firebreaks between the floors, which are now being added to improve safety.
Upgrades will also be made to the first floor to support the businesses.
On Monday at 6:30 p.m., a public hearing will be held at the Hopkinton Town Hall, 33 Main St., to gather input on granting a Community Revitalization Tax Relief Incentive to the building.
To qualify for such tax relief, the project must either improve a historical structure, increase housing in a town or urban center, enhance the economic vitality of the area, or provide safety and efficiency.
The only other time a Community Revitalization Tax Relief has been given in Hopkinton was in 2020 at 56 Maple St., where a house was converted into five condos.
“It’s not a huge metropolis, but it is the center of the village, and it’s nice to kind of help revitalize the village of Contoocook,” said Michael.
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