Rivers Edge cleared for construction in downtown Laconia
The anticipation is finally over for Laconia Area Community Land Trust (LACLT) as construction is scheduled to resume this month on their newest project, River’s Edge in Laconia.
This proposed 32-unit, three-story, affordable-housing apartment building is located on a redevelopment site between Union Avenue and the Winnipesauke River in downtown Laconia.
LACLT's mission is to assist low and moderate income families achieve economic self-sufficiency through the development of permanently affordable housing opportunities and associated support programs. City of Laconia officials had approached LACLT several years ago about redeveloping the subject site, which was last occupied by the F.W. Webb Company, a wholesale plumbing and heating firm.
Reflecting current demand for smaller apartments, River's Edge will house 12 one-bedroom units and 20 two-bedroom units of permanently affordable housing. LACLT will be using innovative green technologies in the construction of these units. The property has nearly 700 feet of river frontage and is near a foot-bridge that links to downtown Laconia. LACLT will grant the city access to the riverfront property to install a river walk at the site.
Northpoint Engineering was part of the design team which was spear-headed by architect George Hickey. Design and permitting took place in 2013 and demolition of two existing buildings occured last Fall in order to clear the way for construction to begin this month. The project is being partially funded by the New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority (NHHFA) and the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. Eckman Construction will serve as the construction manager for the project. Northpoint looks forward to continuing to be part of the team through the construction process and to see the final vision for this project come into form.
