College, City Explore Alternative Plans for Alumni Center Project

KEENE, N.H. 12/05/07 - Representatives from Keene State College and the City of Keene have agreed to explore two alternative options to the construction of a new College Alumni Center on the east side of Main Street. They reached this decision after Elizabeth Durfee Hengen, the historic preservation consultant jointly hired to undertake the study, determined that the removal of three buildings for the proposed new project just south of the roundabout would have an adverse impact on the historic and residential character of the area.

KSC President Giles-Gee and City representatives will take the following options to their respective constituencies for review:

Option one: Retain the existing 232 Main Street building (with addition) and replace 222 and 226 Main Street.

Option two: Relocate the project to an on-campus site.

In addition, the City and the Heritage Commission suggested a review of prospective design plans by an architect of their choosing and the Division of Historical Resources. It was also proposed that the language suggested by President Giles-Gee to amend the 2004 KSC Master Plan (stating that, until the next KSC Master Plan, KSC will not acquire additional properties on the east side of Main Street), be expanded to include language calling for deed restrictions or covenants on the appearance of properties now owned or acquired in the future by KSC on the west side of Main Street south of the Wyman Tavern with frontage on Main Street.

All parties involved in these discussions expressed appreciation for the effort being made to resolve the matter amicably. The City and College officials will be meeting during the month of December and expect to select option one or option two.