The board of trustees of the North Country Center for the Arts and Papermill Theater has reached a final agreement with the developer of InnSeason Resorts for the construction of its new facility to be located on the site of the former Franconia Papermill.
Winner of numerous N.H.Theater Awards, the Papermill Theatre will celebrate its 22nd season this year.
Presenting musical theater featuring professional and local talent, the organization serves as a tourist attraction during the resort area's busy summer months, and is planning an expansion to seasonal year-round programming when the new facility is constructed.
InnSeason Resorts is the developer of the property on which the current theater facility is located, along with its InnSeason Resorts South Mountain Hotel and Village Shops.
Development of a $3.5 million resort timeshare hotel, shopping, dining and arts center, along with second home condominiums, town homes and a public park is planned.
The site overlooks the South Mountain area of Loon Mountain, combining 24 acres of riverfront property, with over 800 ft. of river frontage. The village-style complex is being brought to market by William Curran, CEO and Dennis Ducharme, RRP, president.
"This successful agreement with InnSeason Resorts concludes an ongoing negotiation that has extended over the past two years," said David Talbot, president of the North Country Center for the Arts board of trustees.
Conceived as a 350-seat 13,000 s/f facility to be built within the hotel, the North Country Center for the Arts has commissioned Eric Palson, AIA, president of Sheer, McCrystal, Palson Architects of New London to design the facility.
The facility will include stage and seating, orchestra pit, backstage space, fly space, dressing rooms with bathrooms/showers, green room, lobby and reception area, entryway and access, box office, public restrooms, exterior marquee and concession facilities.