Medical office and restaurant included as part of the package

By ARCHIE MOUNTAIN
NEWPORT — In 24 months Newport could have 46 units of new senior housing available.

That information was revealed at a meeting of the Newport Zoning Board of Adjustment on Thursday, April 26 by Ronald K. DeCola of Manchester, an agent and one of the owners.

For the past year DeCola has been spearheading a plan to convert the existing mill building at 169 Sunapee St. into apartments. Originally, it was not earmarked strictly for senior housing.

“We’re always in a state of flux,” DeCola told the five zoning board members.

The building once housed Gordon Woolen Mill and later Sportwelt Shoe Company.

DeCola originally came before the zoning board on March 23, 2017 after the mill building had been purchased from William Ruger Jr.

“More market work needs to be done and senior housing will help with financing,” DeCola stated.

At this point, plans call for a projected 46 senior independent living units. There will also be a restaurant and medical offices in the building.

DeCola said seniors will have options available including one or two meals daily depending on their individual plan. “Residents will be able to take the elevator down to the medical area or restaurant,” DeCola revealed.

The medical office would also be available for outside residents and the restaurant would be open to the public.

DeCola said the property is in the National Historic Register. “We pretty much have to keep the mill building the same. The character of the building will not be changing at all.” He did mention that the silo would be coming down.

During Thursday’s meeting, DeCola said the project is projected to cost about $15 million.

The property is located in three different zoning districts. “Eighty-six parking spaces are required but we plan to have 140,” he said.

Originally plans called for 66 living units but that number had to be trimmed in order to find space for the medical office and restaurant.

DeCola said having the medical office in the building would be important for seniors who don’t drive as much. It would probably be open until 9 p.m., he added.

The restaurant will have 130 seats, family dining and a bar. “It will also have a very large kitchen,” according to DeCola. “We’re currently talking with a restaurant group interested in running that operation.”

DeCola said the complex would be attractive to retirees who sell their home and want a quality place to live with all needs available for independent living.

At the zoning board meeting 169 Sunapee Street LLC was granted two special exceptions. One permitted the use of a medical facility and the second permitted the use of a restaurant, both in the existing mill building.