A HOLLIS LASER COMPANY PURCHASES FRENCH HALL, CHANGES THE BUILDING'S APPEARANCE AND ADDS A LOADING DOCK TO THE BUILDING
At the August 29,2005 meeting of the
Lands and Building Committee, the Committee approved a proposal from
J P Sercel Associates, Inc., a Hollis laser company, to acquire (at
$1.3 million) and develop French Hall and its surrounding property.
The company generally fits into the classification of "research and
development."There were four other offers to purchase the building at
this same price. Another offer, of $150,000 more than the $1.3
million was made by the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy. However,
the Manchester Housing and Redevelopment Corporation felt that the
Sercel company was more appropriate as the initial building in a
"business park." Paul Borek, Manchester's Economic Development
Director, endorsed the selection, especially citing employment
opportunities that the Sercel company would offer at present and in
the future.
The company, which has been in business for 14 years, plans to expand French Hall from its current 31,000 square feet to 100,000 square feet within the next five years. Additional development in the French Hall area was suggested by another item on the L and B Committee agenda: the proposed purchase of a private home that is located near one of the French Hall parking areas. The Housing and Redevelopment Corporation recommended the purchase of the "Masters property" for $275,000, and the recommendation was approved by the Committee.
On September 7, the Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved the French Hall sale, although aldermen Ted Gatsas and Frank Guinta felt that one of the other bidders, the Herrington Corporation, would have been more appropriate.
On Thursday, December 1, 2005, at a
Planning Board Public Hearing, the agenda included an application for
a site plan approval for the construction of 2,465 sq. ft. of
building additions to French Hall that were identified as "loading
docks and entrance." (Planning Board approval was required prior to
closing the purchase and sale agreement with the Manchester Housing
and Redevelopment Authority.) At the public participation portion of
meeting, Pat Mattson spoke as a representative of the Sierra Club.
She noted that the Sierra Club greatly regretted: (1) that French
Hall would not be used as an educational facility, preferably one
that would, at least in part, permit environmental education: and (2)
that the Sierra Club continued to support use of the City's portion
of the "UNH Property" for environmental studies and research, as well
as various types of passive recreation.
She then noted that a magnificent stand of white pines was located very close to the back of French Hall and expressed concern that the trees might be cut prior to the loading dock construction. Planning Board member Peter Capano established by questioning the applicant (Arenco, Inc. for Dalser, LLC) that the construction activities would not affect the white pine stand, although it was admitted that some tree-cutting would occur during the future expansion projects.
In the photo on the left, taken on July 4, 2006 an early stage in the construction of the "loading dock" is shown. The proximity of part of the white pine stand is very obvious. In the photo on the right, taken on Sept. 10, 2006, the "loading dock" seems to have reached near-completion and no trees have been cut.
The appearance of the building, as seen from its front entrance has been greatly improved since it was acquired by JPSA. The photo immediately below shows the building as it appeared when it was used as a UNH-Manchester classroom. Curiously, no trees were ever planted in front of the building.
A view of the renovated building (June 9, 2009) is shown below. A few of the many trees that have been planted between the building and Hackett Hill Road are shown in the photo.
Clearly, the renovated building and beautifully landscaped surroundings are highly appropriate for placement at the beginning of a Research Park.