Courtesy photo A computer-generated "cut away" image shows what the house section of the Nashua Performing Arts Center is expected to look like when the center opens next year. (Courtesy photo)

NASHUA – With the complicated process of securing some $2.5 million in federal new market tax credits nearly two months in the rear view mirror, the network of city officials, business representatives, arts advocates and volunteers are in the process of ramping up various types of public campaigns as the Nashua Performing Arts Center moves into its next phase.

Together with the philanthropic donations of nearly $1.6 million, the $2.5 million in new market tax credits gave officials the green light to move forward.

The resolution, titled “Omnibus resolution regarding new market tax credit transaction for the Performing Arts Center,” was discussed at a special Board of Aldermen meeting in November, then approved at a subsequent regular board meeting by a 14-1 vote, with Ward 7 Alderman June Caron casting the “no” vote.

Aldermen had previously approved a $15.5 million bond for the project.

“All the transactions were wrapped up in December, which gave us the go-ahead to begin our campaigns for things like naming rights, seat purchases and other initiatives,” Rich Lannan, president of Nashua Community Arts, said this week.

Courtesy photo This computer-generated image shows what the proposed Nashua Performing Arts Center will look like if viewed from East Pearl Street looking toward West Pearl Street. Fratello's restaurant is at left. (Courtesy photo)

Nashua Community Arts, operated by a nine-member board, is the private, nonprofit entity created in June 2019 to receive donations from individuals, groups and businesses.

So far, Lannan said, the nonprofit has received some 200 donations of all sizes to add to the $2.5 million in tax credits.

As for a project timeline, Lannan said the first phase of construction, which mainly involves utility work, is set to begin in February.

The next step is the demolition of the existing, two-story building that for years housed the former Miller’s department store, and more recently, Alec’s shoe store.

Then will come the extensive renovations to the four-story brick building at 78-84 West Pearl St., which sits on the corner of West Pearl and Garden streets adjacent to the former Miller’s and Alec’s building.

Courtesy photo A computer-generated view of the proposed Nashua Performing Arts Center shows what the complex will look like as viewed from West Pearl Street. (Courtesy photo)

While the plans call for gutting and renovating the four-story building, Lannan said tearing it down was never under consideration.

“That was definitely worth saving,” he said of the structure, which was built around the turn of the 20th century as a multi-apartment building.

“It’s strong, a good structure with good bones,” he added.

Folks who work downtown or visit frequently will soon start noticing “light demolition” taking place, with the bulk of the demo and renovation work expected to be underway in March and early April.

The long-awaited grand opening is still scheduled for summer 2022, Lannan added.

Courtesy photo The proposed Nashua Performing Arts Center is depicted in a computer-generated image. West Pearl Street is at right. (Courtesy photo)

As construction ramps up, so will the Nashua Community Arts members and volunteers be ramping up their various capital campaign initiatives, said Judy Carlson, a Nashua Arts Commission member who was on the now-dormant PAC steering committee several years ago.

Among the fundraisers the committees are putting forth is the Name-A-Seat campaign, which actually got underway in December, but without much fanfare.

Now, with Valentines Day coming up and Mothers Day, Fathers Day and wedding season on the horizon, Carlson said the committee will be spreading the word.

“We’ve sold around 40 so far, but our Website has had some issues, which we hope will be fixed soon,” Carlson said, referring to the Name-A-Seat campaign.

For a $1,000 donation – $500 for balcony seats – a donor can pay tribute to whomever they choose with an “attractive nameplate that is placed on the arm of a theater seat,” according to Nashua Community Arts.

Seats can be purchased, and general donations made, at www.nashuacommunityarts.org; click on “donate today.”

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.

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