The Lamprey Arts & Culture Alliance (LACA) signed the lease and announced $98,000 has been committed by local businesses in support of the upcoming civic center for arts, history, and culture to be located in the Newmarket Mills. The money raised through the sale of tax credits in association with the NH Community Development Finance Authority (NH CDFA) will immediately go to establishing the life safety features needed to open its doors to the public. Eventual plans for the civic center include a theater, lobby, gallery, box office, conference room, large function area, and concessions cafe.

“We are on the move,” says LACA board member John Herman. “This civic space was always part of the mill renovation plan. Years of planning are paying off. Now local businesses are taking the lead in support of the project. It is only a matter of time before the public will be able to enjoy it.”

Leading patrons in support of the civic center is Access Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Medicine with a commitment of $50,000. Other patrons include Chinburg Properties, The Boston Educational Foundation, and Proulx Oil & Propane. Donors include Caprioli Painting and The Pao Café.

“It has been wonderful to see the growth and economic revitalization that has resulted from the improvements made to the mill buildings in Newmarket,” says Joshua Siegel, MD, Director of Sports Medicine at Access Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics.  “The community continues to be an outstanding destination for progressive companies and retailers to set-up shop and grow their businesses.  We are happy to contribute to the Millspace Civic Center project and look forward to witnessing the continued development of the cultural center and the positive impact that it will have on the future of Newmarket.”

The Millspace project was given a unique opportunity by the NH CDFA to help regional businesses significantly increase their community impact by leveraging the tax dollars they pay to the state and federal government. Similar programs have supported community projects across the state.