A celebration was held on Saturday, July 13th for the completion of the newly renovated historic Concord Theatre- now the Bank of New Hampshire Stage. TFMoran’s Sr. Project Manager, Nick Golon, PE and his family attended the picnic dinner, and 90’s theme dance party courtesy of Duprey Hospitality, to celebrate the stage’s completion. The Bank of New Hampshire Stage is located on South Main Street in Concord, and is now owned by The Capitol Center for the Arts, located just down the road.
Originally a bakery started in the mid-1800’s, The Concord Theatre building was converted to a movie theatre which ran from the 1930s to the mid 1990’s. The property also housed various small businesses more recently. However, the main movie theatre has been vacant for many years. The renovation project will create a flexible event venue for the Capitol Center for the Arts and a box office.
The existing building was in need of repair and rehabilitation. Consequently, the project includes significant structural upgrades and repairs to the building framing. Outdated floor, roof and wall framing will be reinforced or replaced. Additionally, an interior balcony and new cantilevered marquee will be added.
A small addition was added on the building’s south side for a new stair and elevator. The attractive addition was built in conjunction with functional and aesthetic improvements to the building’s site. New pavement, plantings, seating and a loading area were part of the project.
Southern New Hampshire University held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, July 15th in celebration of the completion of the Millyard Parking Garage in downtown Manchester, NH. The event took place on the top floor where there are beautiful views of the Merrimack River and the City. The six-story garage is located near Northeast Delta Dental Stadium, home of Minor League Baseball’s New Hampshire Fisher Cats, and the Hilton Garden Inn on South Commercial Street. It will provide parking for SNHU employees and for the public. Assistant Vice President for Communications of SNHU, Lauren Keane announced that use of the garage will be phased in, starting with 300 employees and gradually expanding over the next few weeks.
The garage will provide spaces for 1,700 vehicles, offering a solution for SNHU employees and the City of Manchester in an area where parking is limited. President and CEO of SNHU, Paul LeBlanc mentioned that the garage is the first new building in the Millyard in 122 years. Mayor Joyce Craig and other City officials joined in the ribbon-cutting celebration.
TFMoran is proud to be a part of the project team providing civil and structural engineering services. The team included project architects Built-Form, LLC and Construction Manager Harvey Construction.
Congratulations to SNHU for another impressive, successful project!
For additional information about the event, check out the article by the Union Leader.
TFMoran is a sponsor for the 7th Annual Friends of Aine Kids Try-Athlon, to be held Sunday, August 18, 2019 at Bedford High School.
The Friends of Aine Kids Try-Athlon is a three sport event which includes running, swimming and biking, designed for kids of all ages to participate regardless of athletic ability. All proceeds support bereavement services offered at the Friends of Aine Center for Grieving Children & Families. The event is held in Aine’s memory, while also raising funds to help grieving families and an opportunity to get kids moving.
TFMoran is proud to sponsor a golf hole for the 2019 Prouty, which took place on July 12 & 13 in Hanover, New Hampshire. The Prouty is a two-day athletic event that raises funds to benefit the Dartmouth-HitchcockNorris Cotton Cancer Center (NCCC). This year marks the 38th annual Prouty event. Participants cycle, walk, row, and golf to raise money and awareness for the NCCC, a nationally recognized cancer facility.
TFMoran provided survey, site design, civil engineering and permitting. Wilson Architects of Boston and general contractor Skanska are part of the design-build project team. The anticipated opening is Fall 2019.
Click here to see the site plan, architect’s renderings and more under construction photos.
TFMoran is proud to be an annual sponsor of Tonight’s Sky planetarium shows at the McAuliffe-Shepherd Discovery Center. The show immerses its viewers into what will be visible in the night sky the night of their visit. Led live by an educator of the Discovery Center’s Education Team, Tonight’s Sky is a tour of the night sky and all its wonders. Last summer, TFMoran COO and Principal Dylan Cruess and his daughter, Cate went to check out the planetarium and to see Tonight’s Sky. Check out some photos here!
Photo courtesy of McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center.
The New England Real Estate Journal has chosen the Project at Market and Main as the Project of the Month for July, just in time for the completion of phase one. Phase one of the reconstruction included the opening of the first two retailers to the new high-end lifestyle center, which includes Trader Joe’s and The Friendly Toast.
The mixed-use complex is set to include a movie theater, office building, hotel, retail shops and a variety of restaurants. In the article, TFMoran President Robert Duval states “Placing this variety of uses within walking distance reduces vehicle traffic, parking lots, stormwater runoff, improves air quality and permits denser development of the existing core areas of our communities”. The development highlights the importance of a pedestrian-friendly, lively atmosphere for all to enjoy.
TFMoran provided Civil, Structural and Traffic Engineering, Permitting, Landscape Architecture and Land Surveying Services for this project.
One of TFMoran’s Senior Landscape Architects Mike Krzeminski stated “We designed the landscape to include streetscapes with pavers, street trees, ample seating and bike racks. The pedestrian environment is further enhanced by a central green, with pergolas and seating walls to create an outdoor gathering place for all to enjoy”.
TFMoran’s project manager Chris Rice also said “Bedford has grown rapidly over the last number of decades, creating a demand for more shops, entertainment, restaurants, and commercial space. We believe this high-profile lifestyle center will draw in people from surrounding towns as well. The Town of Bedford is pleased to see Market and Main take shape”.
TFMoran and Encore Enterprises complete phase one of Market and Main – 350,000 s/f lifestyle center
BEDFORD, NH Phase One of the reconstruction of the former Macy’s site on South River Rd. is now complete. The first two retailers opened their doors in early spring at “Market and Main,” a new high-end lifestyle center. First to open was Trader Joe’s, a national food chain store, the third to open in New Hampshire. This one-story, 13,000 s/f store is at the main entrance of the development on the corner of South River Rd. and Main St., and includes an attached 2-story, 136-space parking deck. Second to open was The Friendly Toast, a one story, 3,500 s/f restaurant with 132 seats. Known for their homemade food and eclectic decor, the restaurant serves all day breakfast, lunch and dinner. This is the second New Hampshire location, the original is in Portsmouth, with three others in Mass.
Looking through the pergolas, seating walls and central green at The Friendly Toast restaurant
TFMoran began working with developer, Dallas-based Encore Enterprises, for permitting and plan approval of this new lifestyle center on the 16acre site, soon after Macy’s closed in 2015. In late 2016, the Town of Bedford approved plans for a 350,000 s/f mixed-use complex to include a 1,200-seat movie theater, an office building, a hotel, retail shops, and a variety of restaurants. “We appreciate the Town of Bedford and all they’ve done to make this happen here,” said Terry Robinson, vice president-project development for Encore Enterprises.
The benefits of mixed-use developments are being recognized by many community planners. According to TFMoran president Robert Duval, “Placing this variety of uses within walking distance reduces vehicle traffic, parking lots, stormwater runoff, improves air quality, and permits denser development of the existing core areas of our communities.”
Construction at the site began in March, 2017. Southern NH-based construction companies, Hutter Construction and Sullivan Construction are partnering to construct this $50 million project. Market and Main is attracting attention from national, regional, and local retailers and corporations.
“The property is strategically positioned along South River Rd. at the high-traffic intersection of N.H. Route 101, I-293, and the Everett Turnpike,” said Nicholas Barber, president of Encore Retail. “And its proximity and direct access to the Whole Foods plaza will make it a regional destination.”
The development created a new “Main Street,” which Bedford did not already have, and also a “Market Street” heading towards the Whole Foods plaza. Market and Main will represent a pedestrian-friendly place in town where everyone wants to go for a lively, upscale atmosphere including fresh, unique brands mixed with local favorites.
“We designed the landscape to include streetscapes with pavers, street trees, ample seating and bike racks,” said Mike Krzeminski, one of TFMoran’s senior landscape architects. “The pedestrian environment is further enhanced by a central green, with pergolas and seating walls to create an outdoor gathering place for all to enjoy.”
TFMoran is responsible for the structural engineering of the garages, as well as civil/site and traffic engineering, permitting, land surveying and landscape architectural services for the whole development. The complex will include seven new buildings, the existing Carrabba’s building and two new parking garages.
The architecture was designed by Prellwitz Chilinski Associates (PCA) of Cambridge, Mass. Their approach reflects both past and present; incorporating brick, granite, cast stone masonry, painted wood, and metal in a palette of modern materials and historical colors throughout the complex.
Trader Joe’s located on market St. at the Market and Main entrance- Bedford, NH
“Colorful awnings and canopies extend beyond the entrance, sheltering the shopper while on the sidewalk and inviting customers in,” said Laura Homich, senior associate of PCA.
“Seated outdoor patios nicely blend the interiors and exteriors of the entire property, and architectural details reoccur throughout the site, visibly connecting the complex as a whole.”
The new development is expected to generate approximately $1 million in new property tax revenue. “Bedford has grown rapidly over the last number of decades, creating a demand for more shops, entertainment, restaurants, and commercial space,” said TFMoran’s project manager, Chris Rice. “We believe this high-profile lifestyle center will draw in people from surrounding towns, as well. The Town of Bedford is pleased to see Market and Main take shape.”
TFMoran President Robert Duval recently attended The New England Real Estate Journal Nashua/Manchester/Bedford N.H. Summit at the Courtyard Marriott in Nashua. Robert was included in a panel discussing engineering, construction costs, and architecture. Check out the article in the pdf link NEREJ May 2019 Issue NH Summit or read the text below.
New England Real Estate Journal Hosts Nashua/Manchester/Bedford N.H. Summit
by Jennifer Tempesta, New England Real Estate Journal
NASHUA, NH The New England Real Estate Journal held their Nashua/Manchester/Bedford N.H. Summit on April 25th at the Event Center at the Courtyard by Marriott Nashua, 2200 Southwood Dr. Over 100 people were in attendance.
The first panel was held from 9 – 10 a.m. and was moderated by Chris Norwood of NAI Norwood Group. Speakers included: Patrick Brady of Cornerstone Realty Capital; Megan Prieto Giokas of Granite Commercial Real Estate; Melanie Sanuth of the Manchester Economic Development Office; and Greg Bryant of Bedford Cost Segregation.
Topics for this panel included: Development of opportunity zones, new development updates and cost segregation.
The panel began with Sanuth speaking about new developments that are up-and-coming in Manchester. She mentioned how this will be the year of hospitals. Other new developments include the Red Oaks Apartments and The Factory on Willow, a mixed-use development.
For the Bedford area Giokas mentioned the new Market and Main, which is a 16-acre, class A mixed-use retail development.
On the private side of development, Brady spoke about the challenges with return on equity. “The high cost of land and the high side of construction is certainly the reason why there isn’t as much deal flow as maybe there was in 2014 and 2016,” he said.
In regards to the challenges regarding identifying properties that are available and have appreciation opportunities, Giokas said, “People are trying to identify opportunities, but until the final regulations come into place, it is difficult to tell their investors ‘let’s do this’ the way the rules keep changing.”
Bryant spoke on the finance side of appreciation. He mentioned the Tangible Property Regulations as of 2014. “What those regulations did was they gave you some guidance in terms of whether you are able to capitalize or expense certain incoming assets.”
Norwood asked the panel what they are seeing for pricing on new construction. Brady responded, “The only way to make money in this market is to be adding value.”
Sanuth is seeing more opportunities in public/private partnerships, and feels positive about the future in New Hampshire.
The second panel was held from 10 – 11 a.m. and was moderated by Philip Hastings of Cleveland, Waters and Bass, P.A. Speakers included: Greg Stewart of Jewett Construction Co.; Robert Duval of TFMoran; and Laura Homich of Prellwitz Chilinski Associates. Topics for this panel included: Engineering, construction costs and architecture.
Hastings opened the panel mentioning how financing and land is available, but the cost of construction is so high. Duval expressed how there are challenges, especially in the wetlands areas. He said, “There is going to be a tightening down of regulations, to the point where it will become increasingly difficult to develop sites.” He notes to get involved early and do your homework upfront to help with the process.
Next, on the topic of construction costs, Stewart noted that one of the biggest factors is the shortage of labor. “Right now what is driving all costs is the shortage of labor, whether it is construction, manufacturing or technology,” he said.
Stewart mentioned the need to start educating the youth, schools and parents, because there is a high level of opportunity in the construction field.
Another factor for construction costs is the weather, living in New England. Need to start planning for the trends away from the typical calendar of seasons.
The panel agreed the way to value engineering and save on construction costs is to use everybody’s skill set throughout the design process, including the construction, design, engineering and owner’s teams.
On the topic of new innovations to help manage these costs, Stewart spoke about prefabrication. “Prefab systems allows for a less skilled labor. All the components are being built in a shop, which is a team environment. It also cuts down on waste at a job site, so innovations, such as prefab is something that I can see as a real future to cutting costs down the road.”
Homich discussed the innovations she sees on the structural side includes cross-laminated timber.
Duval noted that structural systems are always evolving. There are composites being used now. “Hire professionals that are keeping up with the market.”
Software innovations include: • 3-D modeling such as Revit, which helps with seeing conflicts in projects; • Virtual reality; and • Procore for construction management.
These all help owners and developers in the design process and with permitting.
At the end of the panel, Duval said, “In any sizeable development, consider mixed-use if at all possible. You are making much more efficient use of the space, you can increase the density of development and you can reduce the traffic, because there are multi-purpose trips.”
Homich said, “Ultimately, what we are trying to do on any circumstance, especially when it comes to mixed-use in the town and master planning, is to create a place where it enables people to have a great time.”
TFMoran recently attended the groundbreaking ceremony at Uni-Cast held on Monday June 24th.
In attendance (left to right) were Dan Boisvert- Boisvert Electric President, Paul Berube- Uni-Cast, Andrew Murray- SADCO, Dave Fuller- SADCO, Nick Golon- TFMoran Sr. Project Manager, Henri Fine- President of Uni-Cast, Jeremy Belanger- TFMoran Sr. Project Engineer, Peter Flynn- Flynn Construction Corp., and John Turner- Team Engineering President.
The project is set to involve an expansion of the existing facility located on Industrial Drive in Londonderry, New Hampshire. Uni-Cast is a manufacturer of sophisticated aluminum castings known for their strict quality control and capability to produce some of the industry’s more challenging applications.
Henri Fine, President of Uni-Cast
The proposed expansion includes an over 9,600 sf manufacturing, and 900 sf office addition to the north side of the building, as well as another 2,700+ sf manufacturing addition on the south side of the building. Additional improvements include parking lot expansion and the rebuilding of their stormwater detention basin to current Town and State standards.
TFMoran provided Site Design, Civil Engineering, Permitting, Survey, and Landscape Architecture services.
Architectural elevation plans courtesy of Team Engineering.
