Laconia Village is a major redevelopment that has been proposed in Laconia NH. If approved, it will transform the long-vacant site of the former Laconia State School into a new mixed-use community. Spanning approximately 217 acres, the project is being led by Pillsbury Realty Development LLC, which purchased the property in 2024 for 10.5 million dollars.
The redevelopment plan covers the entire former State School property located off Right Way Path and Parade Road. The site has been largely unused for decades and represents one of the largest pieces of developable land in central New Hampshire. The goal is to turn the space into a vibrant neighborhood that blends residential, commercial, civic, and recreational uses while preserving natural open space.
The residential portion of Laconia Village includes plans for approximately 2000 new housing units. These homes will vary in style and type, including multifamily apartment buildings, townhouses, duplexes, cottage-style homes, courtyard homes, and live-work units. A portion of the housing will be age-restricted to serve seniors, and some will be designed to support local workforce needs.
Rendering Courtesy of Pillsbury Realty Development LLC
The development includes up to 120 thousand square feet of retail space and 100 thousand square feet of office space. A 125-room hotel is also proposed as part of the project, offering hospitality services to support local tourism and events. The plan features a 75 thousand square foot recreation facility that could house a fitness center or YMCA-style organization. Additionally, there is a 75 thousand square foot civic complex that may include a new public library and other municipal buildings.
The community will be organized into three walkable neighborhoods, with a mix of public and private roadways laid out in a grid-style pattern. Multiple points of access are planned along Parade Road, including a roundabout and improved intersections. Sidewalks, bikeways, and trails will be integrated into the layout, making the area accessible and pedestrian friendly.
The site plan preserves roughly 90 acres of open space, creating opportunities for parks, trails, and passive recreation. The WOW Trail, a local multi-use recreational path, will be extended or connected through the site to enhance regional trail access.
The project is being phased in over time. Final site plans and approvals are currently under review by city officials. Once permits are secured, construction will begin in stages. The full buildout is expected to take between three and ten years depending on market demand and infrastructure development.
Laconia Village is intended to become a new hub of activity within the Lakes Region, offering a mix of housing options, shopping, public services, and green space. The project will help meet the region's growing demand for housing and modern infrastructure while revitalizing a historically significant property that has sat unused for far too long.