Project of the Month: Warrenstreet and Harvey deliver 110,000 s/f Rockingham County Municipal Building

Brentwood, NH Warrenstreet Architects, Inc. of Concord, NH, in partnership with Harvey Construction Corporation of Bedford, NH, have completed the new Rockingham County Municipal Building — a 110,000 s/f, facility at 94 North Rd. The building brings multiple county departments together under one roof, creating a modern, efficient, and highly coordinated hub for public service.

A Purpose-Built Facility for Public Engagement and County Operations
The first-floor welcomes visitors with a 2,750 s/f entry and lobby leading to a 131-seat auditorium equipped with advanced acoustics, lighting, and AV technology for public meetings and community events. Beyond the auditorium is a 1,750 s/f County Commissioners Suite with administrative offices and a large conference room supporting governance, planning, and interdepartmental coordination.

A major component of the first floor is the Dispatch Center with Emergency Operations Center, and the 28,000 s/f Sheriff’s Office, featuring a six-bay garage, two-bay sallyport, booking and evidence processing areas, secure offices, an armory, and weapons maintenance room. Staff amenities include a kitchen, gym, locker rooms with showers, and a dedicated radio room.

Second Floor: County Attorney Suite
The second floor houses the 22,000 s/f County Attorney Suite, purpose‑built for legal operations. The space includes private offices, collaborative work areas, secure file storage, and access‑controlled zones supporting prosecutorial functions and administrative workflows. Perimeter offices offer views of the retention pond, fields, and county campus buildings across North Rd.

Third Floor: Registry of Deeds
The third floor provides 22,000 s/f for the Registry of Deeds, designed for public access and staff efficiency. Features include secure record storage, transaction counters, private offices, and a visitor workroom for property research. Staff on the south side enjoy views of the largest solar farm in New Hampshire.

Department of Community Corrections
Located on the south side of the building, the completed Department of Community Corrections is a medium-security facility supporting rehabilitation, recovery, and re-entry. It includes dormitory-style housing suites, program rooms, outdoor yard areas, and a serving kitchen for daily living and structured programming.

The expansion allows the county to operate a 90-day recovery program for up to 80 inmates living on-site in the new dormitories. Participants have access to shared amenities, including a kitchen and secure courtyards, fostering stability, routine, and personal growth.

Staff areas are designed for safety and efficiency, with a centralized control room, training rooms, locker rooms with showers, and holding cells. Private meeting rooms and an on-site drug testing lab further support rehabilitation and legal access.

The facility enhances the county’s capacity to deliver structured recovery services and assist individuals preparing to return to the community. When not at full capacity, it also provides flexibility to house inmates from neighboring counties, supporting regional collaboration and potential revenue.

A Long-Term Investment in Sustainability and County Stewardship
Guided by the Rockingham County Commissioners and director of facilities Jude Gates, the $76 million project began with a space needs assessment in 2017 and broke ground in fall 2022. The project was supported by a dedicated team of engineers, specialty consultants, and subcontractors.

“Reflective of the county’s deep commitment to public service, sustainability, and long-term planning, this new facility stands as a symbol of collaboration and dedication,” said Caroline Corriveau, AIA, project architect and co-owner of Warrenstreet. “It was made possible by many hands working together toward a shared goal of strengthening community services.”

The building was designed to meet the operational needs of each department while aligning with the county’s environmental and maintenance goals. A five-megawatt solar farm installed by ReVision powers the entire complex with renewable energy. The structure is built for a 100-year lifespan, featuring R-60 roofs, R-49 walls, high-performance glazing, and a continuous vapor barrier. Maintenance-friendly features include accessible roof drains, hose bibs, and a 5,600 s/f mechanical penthouse with room for future upgrades.

A Community Milestone
A ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 7, 2025 marked the building’s official opening and included the burial of a time capsule beneath a granite medallion engraved with the county seal. Curated by county representatives, the capsule contains items reflecting the events and milestones of the project’s completion year.

About Warrenstreet:
Warrenstreet is a New Hampshire–based, employee-owned design cooperative founded in 1990. The firm provides comprehensive planning, architecture, landscape architecture, and interior design services for municipal, commercial, corporate, educational, healthcare, and community-based clients throughout New England.

About Harvey Construction Corporation:
Harvey Construction Corporation is a trusted New Hampshire–based construction management firm with a long history of delivering complex projects across New England. Known for its integrity, teamwork, and client-focused approach, the company brings deep experience in municipal, commercial, educational, and healthcare construction. Their commitment to quality craftsmanship, transparent communication, and collaborative problem-solving has established Harvey as a reliable partner for public and private clients seeking durable, high-performing facilities.

Rockingham County Municipal Building Project Team:
Architect - Warrenstreet Architects, Inc.
Landscape - Warrenstreet Architects, Inc.
Construction Manager - Harvey Construction Corporation
Civil - Nobis Group
Structural - TFMoran Inc.
Solar - ReVision Energy
Mechanical, Plumbing & Fire Protection - John F. Penney Consulting Services, PC
Electrical Engineer - Dubois & King, Inc.
Commissioning - Ben Fowler Consulting
Historic - LM Preservation
Archaeology - Monadnock Archaeological Consulting
Environmental - SRW Environmental Consulting, Inc.
Corrections - Alternative Solutions Associates
Building Envelope - Salas O’Brien
Sewer & Well Design - Coughlin Environmental Services