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Zoning board grants variances for Chandler House restoration and cultural club, after heated public debate
Summary
The Zoning Board granted variances to allow an upscale social club, boutique hotel rooms and a spa in the restored Chandler House (151 Walnut St.), a decision supporters said will finance preservation while some abutters and the diocese objected.
The Manchester Zoning Board voted on July 10 to grant variances allowing a mixed use redevelopment of the historic Chandler House at 151 Walnut Street into a cultural social club with a small number of overnight rooms and an on‑site spa, a project proponents say is necessary to fund historic restoration.
Project proponents said the proposed use will preserve the house’s distinctive Victorian features while creating a community‑focused “third place” that combines members’ workspace, artists‑in‑residence programming, events and limited guest rooms.
"This is incredibly similar to everything that I've done over the last 10 years," said Ben Finsgraff, a developer with experience restoring similar historic buildings. He described the Chandler House plan as an arts‑focused social club that will fund large preservation costs through private revenue streams and memberships.
Support and concerns: The Courier Museum, which previously bought the…
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