It Started with a Charrette: Back to Belmont – 7/22/26
Thirty years ago—in 1996—Plan NH launched its very first Community Design Charrette Program right here in Belmont. What started as a grassroots effort to save the fire-ravaged Belmont Mill from demolition has blossomed into three decades of transforming Granite State communities.
Step away from your desk early on Wednesday, July 22, and join us for an inspiring walking tour through Belmont village. You’ll get a firsthand look at how early conceptual planning translates into real-world economic development, adaptive reuse, and community pride.
Event Details at a Glance
| Date | Wednesday, July 22 |
| Time | 3:00 PM (Walking tour is approx. 1 hour) |
| Starting Location | Outside of the Belmont Mill, Mill Street, Belmont, NH |
| Registration |
Register now!Registration is limited, $25 for Plan NH members and $35 for non-members. Attendees will receive one drink ticket. CEUs through AIA and APA pending approval. |
Tour Highlights
1. The Belmont Mill: Where it All Began: Ravaged by neglect and a massive fire in 1992, the Belmont Mill was mid-demolition when Plan NH volunteers arrived for our inaugural 1996 Charrette. Today, it stands proudly restored in the historic village as a powerful testament to how a shared community vision can catalyze local reinvestment and economic activity.
2. The Gale School: A Modern Success Story: In 2010, Plan NH returned to Belmont to build a cohesive town village plan. A starring recommendation? The relocation and renovation of the historic Gale School. This project officially came to fruition and was completed just this summer! We will stop at the Gale School, where Warrenstreet Architects and other project professionals will share the inside story of its careful relocation, the technical hurdles they overcame, and the creative collaboration required to bring this historic structure back to life.
This tour is specifically designed for anyone passionate about community vibrancy, historic preservation, and the future of New Hampshire towns.
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Connect with Planners, Architects, Economic Developers, and Real Estate Professionals.
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Hear directly from the architects and project leaders who managed the Gale School’s complex relocation.
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See the tangible, long-term impacts of community-driven design.
We’ll conclude our walking tour at a local establishment to enjoy a complimentary beverage, share insights, and celebrate the power of planning.
Spaces are limited—secure your spot today!
Register now!
Thank you to our generous sponsors:
