Franklin Faade Improvement Project is Fully-Funded

Franklin City Hall. Photo: CC/AlexiusHoratius

The City of Franklin completed funding for its Façade Improvement Program, which is completing façade improvements to historic storefronts in the downtown. Final funding for these upgrades came from Eversource's purchase of $275,000 in tax credits from the NH Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA). 

The improvements are being funded by a total of $400,000 in tax credits purchased from the CDFA. In addition to Eversource's purchase, Franklin Savings Bank and Bank of NH purchased $100,000 and $25,000 in tax credits, respectively.

"Economic Development and redevelopment takes the collaborative efforts of many people and organizations to be successful," says Ken Merrifield, mayor of Franklin. "We are grateful for the support and work of all our partners. This investment will bring about visible changes to storefronts in our downtown. We invite everyone to visit our small city often to witness and be part of the revitalization efforts as they continue to unfold."

Leading the City's Façade Improvement Project are the Franklin Business and Industrial Development Corporation (FBDIC) and nonprofit PermaCityLife, which has purchased seven vacant and underutilized buildings for the purpose of completing significant renovations and attracting new tenants. Several businesses have already committed to occupying the revitalized, mixed-use space, including a sporting goods store, coffee house, software firm, restaurant and brew pub, an art gallery and Colby-Sawyer College.

"This project to enhance the downtown for residents of Franklin and visitors is just the beginning of a long-term plan for the revitalization of historic Franklin Falls," says Jim Aberg, executive director of FBDIC. "We are thrilled to see this project move forward, and we look forward to welcoming businesses to a vibrant new commercial center."

Bill Quinlan, president of Eversource in NH, says "This project to revitalize Franklin's historic downtown and power job creation is a wonderful example of how public and private partnerships can enrich our communities."