General Properties breaks ground for Mercantile Place in Franklin

FRANKLIN — Representatives of General Properties joined local government representatives at the official groundbreaking of Mercantile Place, a three-building complex newly under construction at the corner of Route 3-A and Tannery Street, overlooking the Pemigewasset River in Franklin.

The ceremony marking the start of construction featured brief remarks from Franklin Mayor Tony Giunta, who expressed the city’s appreciation and support for the revitalization of the property.

“This is another important step in the growing renaissance of our historic city," Giunta said. "This recently underutilized site will soon house multiple thriving businesses, providing employment for our citizens and boosting the local economy and tax base. We welcome this most recent addition to General Properties’ significant real estate investment in our great city.”

Giunta participated in a symbolic first-shovel ceremony and then presented the golden commemorative shovel to Todd Schongalla of General Properties, to mark the occasion.

Schongalla commented, “We are excited to have begun construction of this milestone project. It will feature a convenient location, outstanding engineering provided by Nobis Group, and the high-quality construction of General Properties Construction Division.

"The two repurposed and expanded buildings and the third new building will emerge as a well-blended complex near the waterfront here in Franklin," he said, expressing appreciation to the team, the mayor, City Manager Judie Milner, and Franklin Planning Director Dick Lewis, for their diligence and vision throughout the planning process.

"We look forward to watching this project take shape over the next several months and then gathering again for a “ribbon-cutting,” he said.

When finished, the complex will be home to a mix of businesses, including FBG Tank Services, a branch of First Business Group; Sustainable Refining, a formulator of “green” vehicle undercoating products; Poly Lining Systems Inc.; Online Motor Deals, LLC; and a vehicle service maintenance center.

GP Property Management, a division of General Properties, LLC, will manage the complex.