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CHARLESTOWN - Close to 3 years ago and pre-pandemic, Blanc and Bailey Construction, Inc. bid and won a construction project for the community-based, transitional housing facility, Sullivan County House. The building, located at 19 Sullivan Street in Claremont, NH, is owned by Sullivan County. The building was originally home to the Eagle Times Publication Group, followed by a machine shop and most recently, the well-known Walker's Guitar.

Constructed in 1930, the building is close to a century old and required a series of renovations which were completed in multiple phases. Year one of the project consisted primarily of planning. BBCI worked in partnership with Jay Barrett Architecture to design a space sufficient to house up to 38 full-time residents as well as a 24/7 on-site support person.

In April 2021, after years of thoughtful planning, the project bond was approved and BBCI was given the green light to begin construction. First, the basement level had to be excavated in order to correct water pooling issues in the Southwest corner of the building as a result of injured underground water systems. The building’s existing water and sewer pipes were connected to the city’s public water system.

Interior renovations began with demolition. It quickly came to light that the entire second floor of the building was made almost entirely of asbestosis, far more than was initially suspected in pre-construction inspection. BBCI contracted a demolition team to bag and block out the building, ventilating and cleaning the air before construction could begin.

Once the building was free of asbestos the BBCI team began sandblasting the building’s main structure in order to remove the old paint and restore a honey-like finish to exposed beams and woodwork that runs throughout the building.

The building's high-performance design was engineered by the collaboration of several folks. Those involved include Peter Yost (Build-Wright) who is a building scientist out of Brattleboro VT, Thomas Lane (Prosoc Inc), Jay Barrett (Barrett Architecture), Randy Rhoades, PE, and Tim Schaa, PE from Soils Engineers, as well as Blanc & Bailey Construction, Inc. Together they were able to create a high-performance insulated and breathable building envelope. Coupled with a rooftop solar array by Rex James (Solar Strategies) and multiple efficiency rebates scouted and facilitated by sustainability expert Dana Nute (Resilient Building Group) the team successfully constructed a green building resulting in almost zero energy responsibility to the county.

To add to the building's efficiencies, new insulated dual pane Andersen E series windows and LED lighting were installed. With these items in addition to an entirely new Daikin boiler and HVAC system designed by Dana O’Brien (Brookland Designs), the sustainability of the building was ensured for years to come.

The BBCI team built an apartment inside the new facility to house a live-in program facilitator. The private apartment includes a full kitchen, living room, bathroom complete with a tiled shower, and sleeping quarters.

The building’s communal living spaces are located in the lower level basement and offer residents various amenities. After pouring a new cement floor, the BBCI build team installed a new cafeteria complete with commercial grade sinks, dishwashers, and multiple refrigerators. The space was fully renovated with generous space for recreation and media viewing, as well as newly built locker rooms.

The building’s original, wooden staircase greets visitors as they walk through the front door. BBCI carefully restored the wood back to its original luster, adding a dark stain and a semi-sheer finish to the intricate design. A second stairwell, located at the back of the building, also required attention. The team refinished the existing banister, updating it to a bright white finish with natural wood handrails and a metal guardrail formally known as hog wire. The end result was a modern, clean look and feel that met the project's various safety codes.

As with most restoration projects, the Sullivan House project came with its own unique challenges. The project's budget and timeline required several revisions, due in large part to COVID-19 and its impact on both the supply chain and the cost of materials. “We saw an increase between 25%-30%,” says Gabe Bailey, BBCI Project Manager. “These fluctuations occurred while the project was already in motion and required re-evaluation from various investors, contractors, and our own building crew. It was also determined that the elevator needed replacing, which wasn’t in the initial plan and required special attention.”

Sullivan House construction is now complete with the exception of the elevator upgrade which is awaiting permit approval and compliance assessment. The Grand Opening took place in May when the building was formally dedicated to local journalist and community storyteller, Archie A. Mountain. The event was a culmination of the town municipality, investors, and contractors who dedicated the time, funding, and resources required to bring this project to life.

Blanc & Bailey Construction Inc. would like to recognize the various project investors including New Hampshire Housing, Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA), Dartmouth Hitchcock, US Department of Housing & Urban Development, and the Community Loan Fund. This project was made possible with their dedication, vision, and support.

About Blanc & Bailey, Inc.

For 30 years, Blanc & Bailey Construction, Inc. has built residential and commercial designs in and around the Connecticut River Valley of New Hampshire & Vermont, on a foundation of quality, workmanship, vision, and communication. From new construction to renovation and restoration, their team of trusted professionals design, build and deliver on the client’s vision. The company also owns and operates B & B Kitchen & Design Studio, Stratton Homeowner Services, and Red Dog Recycling with offices located in Charlestown, New Hampshire, and Bondville, Vermont.

Once the original woodwork was restored, the BBCI team consisting of roughly 15 men, as well as multiple subcontractors, HVAC installers, plumbers, and electricians got to work on construction.

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