Rockland Trust provides $9.4 million financing for Hallsville School project

Manchester, NH Rockland Trust provided $9.4 million in financing to support the financing and redevelopment of the historic Hallsville School at 275 Jewett St. The project will transform the vacant 1891 elementary school into Hallsville School Apartments, a 36-unit mixed-income residential community.

Project partners include PROCON as general contractor and Novo Studio Architects as the architect.

“Hallsville School has been part of Manchester for more than 130 years, and we are thrilled to give it a new chapter as modern, affordable apartments that are truly like no other. Rockland Trust has been a strong and steady partner in making that possible, and together we are preserving a landmark this community can be proud of for generations to come,” said preston Hunter, managing member of the development team, Hallsville Housing Limited Partnership.

The redevelopment will preserve and restore one of Manchester’s historic landmarks while creating much-needed housing for residents across a range of income levels. The redevelopment will also deliver meaningful community benefits; the existing gymnasium will remain available for recreational use by the city of Manchester while site improvements will include enhanced landscaping, revitalized green space, preservation of playground facilities, pedestrian-friendly enhancements, and improved outdoor recreation opportunities for local families.

“Across Southern New Hampshire, communities are facing an urgent need for affordable and workforce housing,” said Kelly Nguyen, SVP commercial banking officer at Rockland Trust. “Hallsville School Apartments is an excellent example of how Low-Income Housing Tax Credit developments can help address the region’s housing shortage while preserving important historic landmarks. Rockland Trust is proud to support projects like this and remains committed to bringing more LIHTC financing opportunities to Southern New Hampshire to help create housing that strengthens communities and expands access for residents.”

Originally constructed in 1891, Hallsville School has been a longstanding fixture in the Manchester community. The redevelopment will preserve the building’s historic character through restoration of the iconic clock tower, rehabilitation of masonry and architectural details, preservation of the historic façade, and removal of outdated fire escapes. Former classrooms will be converted into modern apartments while keeping the building’s architectural features.

Residents of Hallsville School Apartments will have access to a range of on-site amenities, including a fitness room, community room, bike storage, laundry facilities, resident services coordination, a property management office, and on-site parking. Located near major employment centers, including Elliot Hospital, Hallsville School Apartments will provide residents with convenient access to jobs, healthcare, retail, restaurants, parks, public transportation, and neighborhood amenities, helping support Manchester’s workforce and broader economic development goals. As a result, the development is expected to contribute to broader neighborhood revitalization efforts while increasing the supply of affordable housing in Manchester.