By Dylan Marsh EAGLE TIMES STAFF
NEWPORT-The town of Newport has been honored with the prestigious 2022 Preservation Achievement Award. On May 3, Newport, in addition to eight other recipients, were given the Preservation Alliance’s award. The achievement was earned by the town in light of the restoration and rehabilitation projects that were performed on the Newport Opera House and courthouse.
“It’s a great recognition for us,” said Newport Town Manger Hunter Reiesberg.
The Newport Opera House, which stands downtown at 20 Main Street, is actually the second to be built in the town. A fire destroyed the original Town Hall building in 1885, with the current building being completed in 1886. With the new building came improvements, specifically the Opera House, which at the time was the largest stage north of Boston. The Opera House has been host to a wide variety of events including proms, boxing matches, political rallies, minstrel shows, and town meetings.
The Preservation Achievement Award is given to communities, as well as individuals, who are essential to the preservation of rare and iconic properties, stewardship of gathering places, and large and small community development success. “The building is around 150 years old, most of us at that age are going to require some maintenance,” said Reiesberg.
“I think it’s really great,” said Newport resident Morgan Wilson. “We only have so many of these historic buildings and it’s important that we preserve as many of them as we can.”
The Opera House and courthouse have received several renovations and improvements over the last few years. Since the project started the building has received a new roof, restored the stained glass windows, and received new maple floors throughout the building. A particularly noticeable improvement is the clock tower and the bell. “The bell can finally ring again,” Reiesberg said of the addition.
A portion of the funds raised were donated by New Hampshire Lands and Community Heritage Investment Program. LCHIP is an independent state authority that matches grants meant to preserve New Hampshire’s most important historic and cultural resources. They provided $143,000 of the money, while the community of Newport matched and exceeded that.
The project is ongoing, with no clear date for completion. “As one project completes there is always another focal point to be worked on,” said Reiesberg. There are plans to make the back entrance handicap accessible as well as putting in a new parking lot that would improve not only the Opera House and courthouse but the Old Courthouse Restaurant as well.
The building is currently back in service. The Newport Opera House Association has been planning events and encouraging locals to come and enjoy the renovations, as well as the important cultural history within the walls of the building. Coming up in November, the musical comedy “43rd Street” is set for a three night run. Rieseberg stated, “We couldn’t have done this without the support of the preservation alliance and the community. We love our opera house, it’s a gem and an icon of the community.”
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