Mechanic School apartments receive Plan NH Merit Award

Laconia Area Community Land Trust (LACLT) has been awarded a Plan NH Merit Award for its Mechanic School apartment building in Lakeport. The award is given to a project that incorporates the principles of smart growth, sustainability, social responsibility, and improves the quality of life in New Hampshire.

The Merit Award was presented to LACLT and its development partners at Plan NH’s annual meeting.

“We are proud to have preserved this historic school building as a community asset, said Linda Harvey, LACLT’s Executive Director, and we are thrilled that Plan NH has recognized the Mechanic School with a Merit Award.”

The vacant, 100 year old school building was rehabbed by LACLT in 2006. Today, it contains six permanently affordable apartments which are rented to low and moderate income families at below market rents.

The Mechanic School is Energy Star® certified. Energy Star® Homes contribute to improved home quality, owner comfort, lower energy consumption, and reduced air pollution. Solar panels installed on the roof provide for 10% of the building’s common area electric needs.

LACLT is a private, non-profit developer of permanently affordable housing for low and moderate income families. LACLT operates 103 rental units in 38 buildings throughout Laconia and pays full real estate taxes on each property. It is a chartered member of NeighborWorks® America and is supported in part by membership donations and the Lakes Region United Way. For more information or to make a tax-deductible donation visit www.laclt.org.