On November 19, 2018, the city of Rochester, New Hampshire issued an RFP (request for proposals) for a major redevelopment project that city officials believe could catalyze significant downtown revitalization.
Known locally as the former Kelly’s Gymnastics building and the Scenic Theater (at 12-14 North Main St., respectively), the RFP asks firms and architects to submit ideas for adaptive reuse of the historic buildings, which are significantly dilapidated.
The Scenic Theater is historic, being a Georgian Revival building and the city’s original theater. The Kelly’s building (AKA the Salinger Block), is the city’s sole neoclassical block.
“A variety of uses for these two buildings are possible,” the RFP says. “These uses include but are not limited to those centered on residential uses on upper floors, restaurant and retail uses such as a brewery or pub, coffee shop, professional office and artist or artisan retail. Onsite parking is not required according to the City of Rochester Zoning Ordinance.”
RFP deadline: December 27, 2018 at 2:30pm. Firms will be interviewed in January, with selection to take place in February. The contract is expected to be finalized by March 31, 2019.
Photo via Google Maps.