Hooksett was known in the early days for its brick yards and barges. Bricks were loaded onto barges and floated down river to build many of Manchester's great mills. A brickyard, for which the adjacent stream was named, occupied the site in 1889. In this same time period a river boat could be seen traveling up and down the river and docking near Robie's Country Store.
"Merrimount Corner" is named after the original cabin business. "Merrimount Cottages" was located on this site in the early 1900's. Tourists came from far and wide to visit, hunt & fish the Hooksett area.
From the mid 1940's to 1956 "Merrimount Ski Area" was in business here as well. The following link has more information about the former ski areahttp://www.nelsap. org/nh/merrymount.html.
Across River - Henry David Thoreau's Landing - Thoreau and his party climbed the Pinnacle and boated on the Merrimack in 1839 and other occasions. See A Week on the Concord, Merrimack River by Henry David Thoreau. In the book, Thoreau describes how he boated up river to Hooksett, NH, hid his boat in a stream outlet on the east side of the river and hiked Pinnacle Hill and explored the White Mountains for a few weeks. He then returned to retrieve his boat and traveled home passing brick barges from Hooksett and many other historic sites.
Up River - Robie's Country Store - The oldest business of continuous operation in Hooksett, operating since early settlement times. The original building had a dock facility and received merchandise by river barge until the advent of the railroad in1842. George A. Robie bought the store in March, 1887.
About Us
Merrimount Corner
Merrimount Corner is being presented conceptually by Keyland Enterprises to show possible potential that is in line with the Town's Master Plan, Village Charrette (adopted 2004), and the new Hooksett Economic Development Committee. We envision a walkable community with a commercial river park type development made up of shops and tourist attractions that complement the existing historic village and area businesses. A N.H. RETAIL DESTINATION that is economically self-sustaining for years to come, while preserving and promoting the historic value and businesses of Hooksett and the entire state.
Property Highlights
We have 10+/- acres (with potential for greater acreage, up to 48 acres, if combined with direct abutters) at the corner of Hackett Hill Road and Route 3A, with river frontage, which is available for development.
This property is adjacent to the approved T.I.F. zone and a possible outdoor destination retailer, as the primary anchor.
The property presently produces income from 5 rental units and a commercial office.
The property has 150,000 to 200,000 yards of saleable gravel on-site.
Proposed is a river paddle boat similar to the ones that toured the Merrimack River at the turn of the century. Stops could be at a barn-style theatre playhouse/music hall and restaurant, or at Robie's Country Store's future outdoor deck, for a lunch along the river.
The Merrimack River has the potential to provide for small sea planes to fly out to your favorite north country destination, resort hotels, or hunting / fishing camps. Sea planes were a common sight on the river years ago, with a former base 2000' down river where Tri-town Arena is today.
In addition, we are currently pursuing ways to connect N.H.'s north country to the Hooksett project by targeting companies specializing in tour buses, sea plane and north country excursions.
Possible Concepts
Request More Information
Use this form to contact us to get more information about our property, conceptuals, purchase equity shares, or if you have any questions. You can also contact Carol or Alden Beauchemin C/O Keyland Properties L.L.C. at 412 West River Road Unit 1C, Hooksett N.H. 03106. Or by phone at (603) 344-9371. Email: Keyland412@comcast.net