Christopher P. Williams honored by New Hampshire Preservation Alliance

MEREDITH — Chris Williams, AIA, NCARB, of Meredith, was recently honored by the new Hampshire Preservation Alliance for Outstanding Leadership in Preservation Planning and Advocacy.

Williams, the Principal Architect of Christopher P. Williams Architects, PLLC, which he founded in 1984, has a portfolio of preservation work across the state filled with dozens of rescued and revived buildings. He has also made impressive contributions to strengthening civic organizations and advancing quality of life, especially in Meredith and the Squam Lakes region. Over the past 50 years, his commitment to preservation, restoration, and re-use has never wavered.

He was instrumental in the 11th hour save of the Belmont Mill, carried out rehabilitation and reconstruction projects at the University of New Hampshire and Canterbury Shaker Village, and designed or renovated numerous homes overlooking Squam Lake and Lake Winnipesaukee. The Castle in the Clouds is fortunate to be receiving his attention and assistance in recent years.

Chris also responded to community needs in Meredith and formed Latchkey Charities in 1994. This organization of local business owners and municipal officers is dedicated to improving quality of life in the community, and has been instrumental in creating a park, a community center, a senior housing project, and a major hotel/conference center.

Chris was also an early proponent and supporter of an innovative historic preservation initiative for the Squam area. This highly-effective planning, educational and stewardship initiative engaged year round and summer residents, long-timers and newcomers, in learning more about the history and evolution of their area and expanding their preservation ethic to match their long-held conservation attitudes and action. Results have included National Register nominations, campstead easements, new archives, and other important resources.

Chris Williams has also been active in a variety of organizations dedicated to historic preservation and community charitable work for many years. As a member of the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance Board he was instrumental in restructuring the organization to partner with the National Trust and he helped bring the Main Street Program to the Lakes Region of New Hampshire.