The Squamscott Block

Location

130 Water Street, Exeter, New Hampshire

Year Built

2007

Number of Apartments

Type of Project

New Construction

Architect

Archetype Architects

Contractor

North Branch Construction

Financing

New Hampshire Housing

Town of Exeter

New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority

TD Bank

Unitil

US Department of Housing and Urban Development

Awards

Workforce Housing Coalition of the Greater Seacoast, Housing Industry Leadership Award to The Szanton Company 2010

Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. (New Hampshire and Vermont Chapter), 2009 Excellence in Construction Awards Competition, Award of Excellence to North Branch Construction, Inc. for The Squamscott Block

The Squamscott Block addresses the severe lack of affordable rental housing in Seacoast New Hampshire; adds vitality to Exeter’s downtown district; fills a gap in the streetscape of one of Exeter’s most important and beautiful streets; and promotes smart growth by adding density near public infrastructure.

Previously a surface parking lot next to Exeter’s historic 1856 Town Hall, the Squamscott Block is on the site of two historic structures torn down in the mid-20th century to make way for parking. The four-story building features 2,600 square feet of retail space along
busy Water Street, currently housing an art gallery and a therapeutic salt cave. Two hidden levels of parking provide 36 spaces for the residents and 58 spaces for neighboring businesses.