The historic Tavern Inn gets a makeover

LACONIA — Laconia Housing is completing renovations to the Tavern Inn on Church Street, one of the most historic buildings in downtown Laconia. Set in the heart of the city near services and shopping, the Tavern Inn offers affordable housing for seniors 62 years of age and older. It has 50 apartments – studios and one bedroom – with utilities such as heat, hot water and electricity all included in the rent.

The Tavern Inn hallways and common areas are getting a makeover with freshly painted walls in modern level-coding colors, plank tile flooring, and new acoustical ceiling tiles. Other recent improvements include a completely rebuilt parking lot, exterior brick repointing, and boiler replacement. A state of art security camera system is to be installed next. All of these improvements have been funded by a loan from TD Bank.

The history of the Tavern Inn building begins with its construction in 1912. But on June 23, 1955, the world heard about the tavern when President Dwight D. Eisenhower stayed at the Laconia Tavern Hotel during his visit to Laconia. Using Community Development Block Grant funds, the historic Tavern Inn has recently been modernized with a 33kW solar array on the roof, LED light fixtures, new windows and ceiling insulation where previously there was none.

Formally the Tavern Hotel, the Tavern Inn / Stafford House is located in downtown Laconia, across the street from the post office and the library and right next door to the Community Action Program Senior Center. Banks, churches, restaurants, a drug store, supermarket, Veterans Park, the former railway station, Main Street stores, and an antique center are all within easy walking distance. More information is available at www.laconiahousing.org.

The Tavern Inn, when President Dwight D. Eisenhower once stayed, now offers affordable housing for those 62 and older. (Courtesy photo)

The Tavern Inn is located across from the post office and library in downtown Laconia. (Courtesy photo)