Hutter Construction readies start on Park Theatre project

January start date seen for Jaffrey performing arts venue

Hutter Construction Corp. of New Ipswich has been given the go-ahead to begin construction in January on the much-anticipated new Park Theatre in Jaffrey.

Construction of the performing arts venue is expected to cost $3 million and is being funded by individual and foundation donations, New Hampshire tax credits and a loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development office.

Once built, the 485-seat theater will present live performances, such as plays and concerts by national and regional artists, touring companies, amateur artists and schools, and classic and commercially successful films, according to the release. It will also be open for community meetings, business events, town meetings, private gatherings, social activities and community-wide events.

The original Park Theatre, which opened in Jaffrey in 1922, closed in 1976.

In 2006, the Park Theatre Inc. bought the 19 Main St. property with plans to raze the facility and rebuild it. The building was demolished in 2013.

“As part of the greater Jaffrey Community, we are glad to be a part of this exciting new revitalization project,” Lars Traffie, CEO of Hutter, said. “Everyone involved has worked long and hard to see this day come. “All of us are especially anxious to see the Park Theatre become a centerpiece for a thriving downtown and a growing local economy. We have a target of mid-January for excavation to commence for the foundation.”

The theater will be built to LEED Gold standards, said Traffie.