Developers pitch boutique hotel, social club and spa for Chandler House at 151 Walnut

Project representatives presented plans on 151 Walnut for the Chandler House, a Victorian-era property the team says they will restore while converting it to an upscale social club, boutique hotel and spa.

The presentation to the Manchester Heritage Commission on an agenda item moved forward for discussion said the proposal would place a members’ social club on the first floor and parts of the second floor, with nine hotel rooms on the second and third floors and a spa in the basement. “We’re here to present an exciting project at 151 Walnut. That’s the Chandler House,” said Brian, a project representative, at the start of the presentation. Jessica Quaran, identifying herself as “the chief of staff to the owner of the building,” told commissioners she and the ownership team are pursuing historic preservation while making the project financially feasible.

The proposal matters to the commission because the house is in poor repair and carries historic value, commission members and public commenters said. The team said they have obtained variances from the Zoning Board of Adjustment and are scheduled for Planning Board review on Aug. 6 for a change-of-use site plan and a conditional-use permit related to parking.

Project details and design choices

Under the plan presented, the club would include programming, a workspace “pod” area, and events; some hotel rooms…