Pro Con breaks ground on $3.3 million green NH Liquor & Wine Outlet; 20,000 s/f project designed to achieve LEED Gold

A groundbreaking ceremony was held to celebrate the start of construction of N.H. Liquor & Wine Outlet store. Pro Con Inc is the architect and general contractor for the $3.3 million design-build project. The new outlet will be located behind an existing state liquor store at 27 Coliseum Ave., which will be demolished after the new store is built. This 20,000 s/f project is part of the N.H. Liquor Commission's (NHLC) plan to modernize stores statewide and increase sales. In an effort to further NHLC's green efforts, the project incorporates ecologically friendly features, including solar panels, energy efficient LED lighting, and geo-thermal heating and cooling systems. Local building materials and low volatile organic compound products will also be applied and installed. The outlet's landscaping will be comprised of local plants and grasses that require no irrigation. "The goal is to recycle 95% of construction waste from the new building and 95% of demolition material from the old building," said commissioner Mollica. Recycled materials will also be used to build new store features including a wine tasting display counter that will be made from recycled glass. Pro Con Inc has registered the project with the U.S. Green Building Council and intends to pursue certification under USGBC's LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program. The project has been designed and is being built to achieve LEED Gold. The New Hampshire Liquor Commission has been responsible for the renovation and relocation of several New Hampshire Liquor & Wine Outlets to-date with successful results in Gilford, Plaistow, Hampstead, Manchester, Merrimack, Lincoln and Lebanon. "From concept to design, our goal is to create an energy efficient store that delivers an innovative shopping experience for our customers," said N.H. Liquor commissioner Joseph Mollica. "In addition, we continue to expand our buying power enabling us to offer lower prices on fine wines and spirits."