Portsmouth, NH March 2024

Feel at home with Heritage.

There's No Place Like Home

There have been many moments when I wished the click of my heels would transport me “Home.” So much is contained in that four-letter word. Home is our grounding, our base, our launchpad, our refuge. It’s where we start and end each day. While the particulars look different for each of us, the meaning and value it holds for all of us is undeniable. Home is where the heart is.

Author Wendy Wunder said, “The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back.” As we considered the joys of coming home and the comfort and security of resting our heads in a familiar place, our thoughts also turned to the joy of a fresh start when life calls for change—a new place to call home.

In this home issue, we unpack stories of home, like a New Englander returning to start a new life in a beloved farmhouse. We also introduce you to the residents and business owners who choose to “live, work, and play” in the revitalized and thriving West End. If you are seeking a lifestyle change, let a local expert guide you to find the right-sized place to call home. And last, discover the ambitious Mainspring project, which unites social services under one roof.

We are inspired by these creative and giving individuals who use their talents to make people feel at home wherever they are. We hope this small glimpse into their lives and work brings you inspiration.

Thanks for letting us into your home.

Happy March!

TARA PHILLIPS, MANAGING EDITOR @PORTSMOUTHCITYLIFESTYLE

Ann

Kevin

city scene

1: Ryan Briolat, Juliie Hitchcock, and Elaine Apatang @ Port City Air tour. 2: Josh Gould and his amazing Seacoast Strength & Conditioning crew at annual member appreciation party. 3: Janis & Bob Krieger of Hampton at the Wentworth Hotel’s Winter Wine Festival. 4: John & Liz Mulvey with Brett Mulvey (center) and the kids at Sandy Hill Farm. 5: Realtor Jon McCormack with Shane & Lauren Kinney at Duston Leddy celebration. 6: Make a Wish Polar Plunge with Lauren Kalil, Alyssa Bailey, Libby Giordano, and Samantha LeClair 7: Lunch & Learn event with Kristin Mattheson & Kelley Kennedy of Silverstone Living and Art & Jenn Meconi.

@JONMCREALESTATE

@MULVEYREALTY

business monthly

URBAN | EAD Woodwork Showroom Opens at 15 Penhallow Street Portsmouth

URBAN | EAD Woodwork’s new showroom has opened at 15 Penhallow St. in Portsmouth. Showcasing beautiful wood furniture made from locally sourced material, “We connect with local tree fellers, arborists, and homeowners to source fallen, discarded, and sustainable specialty wood. We call it ‘specialty’ because EVERY TREE HAS A STORY, and we believe every story is unique.” Exquisitely hand-crafted wood pieces complimented by a wonderfully curated collection of decorative accessories and whimsical accents are a must-see!

Gearing Up For Treeline: Outdoor Shop Opens in Portsmouth NH

Gear ‘n Beer” are the two words used to describe Portsmouth’s newest outdoor shop, Treeline Outfitters. Treeline aims to gather regional outdoors people for education and connection and to gear up with hand-selected goods from New England’s top manufacturers. With quality outdoor apparel and a bar pouring local libations, owners Cody and Emily hope to unite the community in an environment reminiscent of aprés ski bars and backyard tailgates. Visit Treeline at 125 Brewery Lane.

Branding a Little Dated? Prehistoric, Maybe? Need More Reach?

Customers change, and if you don't evolve, it could be at your own peril (okay, we'll stop with the puns). The Harbour Light philosophy is simple: Cut through the clutter with successful strategies, bold branding, websites that work, and other implements of success for non-profits and companies around the block and around the country (and have fun doing it). Sound good? Sounds like we should talk. harbourlight.com

Want to be featured?

Photography by URBAN | EAD Woodwork

Photography by Christine Kwesell

Photography by Harbour Light Strategic Marketing

TURNING VISION INTO VALUE

We support small businesses by guiding the way toward their financial goals. Our compassionate approach means that we take the time to understand our clients and find the best solution for the long-term. We invest in our clients by monitoring their business to help nurture growth to its fullest potential.

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Managing Urgent Objectives & Important Dreams

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LIVED IN & LOVED

Unique Design Concepts Driven by Art and Psychology

ARTICLE BY ANN KATHRYN KELLEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN EDGE

Art and psychology meet in the middle to inform Sheri Gibson’s interior design philosophy. Sheri, owner of Rein & Co. Design, combines her love of houses dating back to childhood with her college studies in art and psychology. The result balances the aesthetics of art with her clients’ psychological wants and needs.

“I help clients create spaces that are uniquely theirs,” Sheri explains. “It’s a partnership, with ongoing feedback that ensures the outcome is thoughtful, creative, and personalized to each client’s tastes and how they live.”

Sheri and her husband, Bob, returned to New England in 2022 when they purchased a 1796 farmhouse in Durham. Living in Chicago for 20 years, they wanted to relocate near the North Shore of Massachusetts, where they grew up.

The couple’s five-year plan to return was accelerated when a friend sent Sheri the listing for the farmhouse in late summer 2021. Weeks later, Sheri stood on the front lawn with her sister as a realtor pointed out the property’s unique attributes and history. The farmhouse was once owned by Mary

CONTINUED >

“I could see my future unfolding here,” Sheri recalls. “It already felt like home. I called Bob, who was away on business. Though he hadn’t seen the house, he encouraged me to make an offer on the spot.”

Sheri shares that her sister jokingly asked the realtor if he told everyone the house was haunted at the exact moment another couple walked past who were also looking at the property. The house needed to be hers—with or without the joke. Her offer was accepted.

Sheri’s choice to neutralize, using a soft white palette over walls that had been painted in deep yellows and reds, initially shocked her. “It was December and grey outside, so that didn’t help. But in this empty house, the rooms suddenly felt stark, all in white. But I realized this is how my clients feel, and my response is always to trust the plan.”

Sheri knew her art pieces, wood furnishings, and baskets would bring warmth and character back into the space. Now, one need only walk into a cozy room dominated by a gorgeous antique fireplace—a space she lovingly calls “The Snug”—to feel ready to curl up with coffee or wine and enjoy a nice chat.

Ann Esposito of NH PBS fame, who filmed the pilot for her “Caio Italia” cooking show in the rustic, beamed-ceiling kitchen.

Beloved Baxter

Scale, proportion, and balance are critical elements to design projects. Sheri’s expertise comes in here, as she points out where more texture or color is needed, for example. The weight of these elements, working together, gives harmony to a space. Sheri also emphasizes the importance of negative space. Not every spot needs to be filled, and negative space—when used correctly—adds depth.

When form follows function, it creates a space that feels lived in, loved, and uniquely custom. A vintage basket holding umbrellas or a walking stick placed beneath a modern, silver-framed, or beveled mirror brings together old and new, form and function.

When asked what sets her design philosophy apart, Sheri says, “I don’t want anyone to see me in their space. The design should showcase how the homeowners live and what’s important to them.”

“Design is like a flowchart, yes and no answers help us navigate to final decisions. I’m there to guide this process and provide the best options to elevate the space.”

Sheri’s job as an advisor is to help steer her clients in directions that take elements of the style they love while working with elements they may not have considered, but that will better serve the space. “Design is like a flowchart,” she explains. “Yes and no answers help us navigate to final decisions. I’m there to guide this process and provide the best options to elevate the space.”

She adds, “After a project plan has been agreed to, it’s best not to second-guess. We are inundated daily with beautiful things; sticking to the plan helps quiet the noise.”

The "snug"

Sheri returns to Chicago to work with her clientele with whom she has formed strong relationships. And now, with several Seacoast and North Shore-area clients on her calendar, she is looking forward to growing Rein & Co. Design locally in the coming year.

Working with a hand-selected group of vendors she trusts that offer top-quality merchandise, Sheri counsels clients on a range of design scenarios that will deliver good, better, or best results based on the agreed-upon budget. “When it comes to quality, affordability, and quick results, you can have two, but rarely all three; it’s about prioritizing.”

Listening—and the trust it builds—is the North Star Sheri follows in her design approach. A complete understanding, followed by agreement on goals and budget, culminates in a result her clients love living with.

Now

On the Doorstep of Dignity

A NEW SOCIAL SERVICES HUB UNDER ONE ROOF IS COMING TO THE GREATER SEACOAST

ARTICLE BY SUSAN GALLAGHER

of ARQ Architects

Courtesy of Suzanne Esposito

Courtesy

Hope is settling into a new home at Mainspring: The Seacoast Social Service Collective. This groundbreaking nonprofit will be an inviting sanctuary amidst today’s challenging economic times for people in need across Southern Maine and the New Hampshire Seacoast because poverty doesn’t conform to town, county, or state lines.

Slated to open in the Fall of 2024 in Kittery, Mainspring embraces the growing trend of integrating social services under one roof. Offering more than food and shelter, the organization takes a holistic approach, aiming to support the whole person and family instead of one need at a time.

Mainspring will include a market-style food bank, housing services, a thrift store, medical and mental healthcare programs, and veteran services. It will also offer support services like substance abuse recovery, legal aid, job training, and employment and fuel assistance. Shower and internet facilities will provide needed personal hygiene and communication access, while a warming/cooling center will offer refuge from the summer heat and winter cold.

Co-founders Emily Flinkstrom of Fair Tide and Megan Shapiro-Ross of Footprints Food Pantry joined forces in 2021 to lead this effort, which broke ground last November. This one-stop center for assistance aims to eliminate maneuvering through the complex social services labyrinth, which makes searching for help a full-time job. Plans for a shared database across agencies will ease this burden, saving individuals and agencies valuable time. This streamlined approach relieves the stress of traveling to multiple locations for support and the endless paperwork required. At its core, this relief is a lifeline to human dignity.

Breaking the mold of the sterile, institutional assistance office, Mainspring will be a beautiful, spacious facility, reflecting the founders’ vision of a welcoming, calming space--a haven for those seeking respect above all else. “It goes beyond having all these services under one roof,” says Emily Flinkstrom. “We will work collaboratively to wrap our arms around these individuals and families to help them navigate a pathway out of poverty.”

The myriad issues poverty brings are intertwined. Job loss leads to food insecurity, which may cause health problems. Rising housing costs drive homelessness. Individuals and families can easily be overwhelmed with many needs, making the Mainspring model of connected services crucial.

One patron of Fair Tide and Footprints understands this all too well. As a single mother, her unemployment led to food insecurity, a lack of transportation, and nearly the loss of her children. She credits these nonprofits with keeping her family together. “Without these services,” she says, “I wouldn’t have custody of my children.” Struggling to reach the necessary locations to secure the assistance needed, she is eager for the relief this one-stop solution brings.

Shapiro-Ross is careful to point out that, "While many don’t see poverty in our community, it does exist; it’s just not always plainly visible." Many people living below the poverty threshold work two jobs but still cannot make ends meet. Seeking assistance often carries a stigma, but Mainspring intends to remove the stigma by building agency and capacity in each individual to fully thrive, not just survive.

Community is the lifeblood of this nonprofit venture. Generous donors and campaign steering committee members like Peter Lamb and Faith Harrington have been instrumental in getting this endeavor off the ground. Lamb and Harrington are deeply committed to the Mainspring cause and believe it is the “future heartbeat” of the Seacoast area. Of this new collaborative approach, they say, “We expect the health and spirit of our community will soar.”

Mainspring’s tireless founders strive to systematically and strategically change how we solve poverty by bringing a deeper understanding of this complex social issue and demonstrating how communities can help. They are confident this model puts us on the right track. With high expectations, they envision a future where everyone on the Seacoast can access the resources and support needed to thrive.

For more information, go to  mainspringcollective.org . In addition to financial donations, seacoast residents can help through advocacy programs like hosting a house party and in-kind contributions— email  info@mainspringcollective.org  to get involved.

The Renaissance of the West End

ARTICLE BY LISA LESLIE

Seacoast Real Estate Photography

Jen & Eric Chinburg Meagan Explores Photography

Seacoast Real Estate Photography

“We’ve developed an expertise and passion for transforming communities by acquiring unused buildings that have been allowed to decay for far too long.

Once the “frontier” of Portsmouth, the West End neighborhood has undergone a significant transformation—a renaissance; now, everyone is trying to claim a spot in this hidden gem, nestled in one of the most charming cities in the Granite State. With boutiques, gyms, salons, and restaurants sprinkled throughout, it’s an extension of downtown Portsmouth–without the hassle of finding paid on-street or garage parking. Driving through the West End, you’ll notice a combination of charming single and multi-family homes, old and new, and clusters of mixed-use and commercial buildings, creating a lovely contrast between historic and modern-day architecture.

Starting (unofficially) with Plaza 800 on one side of Islington Street and the old Button Factory on the other, the West End stretches under the Route 1 Bypass to Cate Street, down the Islington Street corridor, and extends through the adjacent neighborhoods. The community is pleasantly walkable in good weather and features many places to enjoy great dining, craft breweries, arts and culture, and fun for the whole family–all less than a mile from downtown .

One of the region’s premier developers, Chinburg Properties, laid out a clear vision for preserving and revitalizing one of the neighborhood’s historic landmarks, the Frank Jones Brew Yard. Beginning with the restoration of the 1884 House and the Brew House in 2018, followed by the construction of Brewery 145 in early 2020, these ambitious developments contributed to the area’s residential and economic growth. “When the former Frank Jones Brew Yard site became available, we were excited to transform these buildings that had been vacant for many years,” explains Jennifer Chinburg. “We’ve developed an expertise and passion for transforming communities by acquiring unused buildings that have been allowed to decay for far too long–but still have historic significance worth salvaging.”

The Frank Jones Brew Yard now houses a mix of residential apartments and commercial businesses inside two thoughtfully restored brick buildings, surrounded by ample parking and private sidewalks

leading to nearby shops. Much effort went into preserving the history of the building, which, in 1882, was home to one of the largest beer manufacturers in the U.S., the Frank Jones Brewery. There are tales of Jones building tunnels beneath the buildings to continue production secretly during Prohibition, but sadly, the brewery closed and, after the repeal, reopened as the Eldridge Brewing Company.

The Brew House is now a residential property with 54 apartments, and the 1884 House features commercial space on the first two floors, with 14 residential apartments on the third and fourth floors. These dynamic, mixed-use buildings create a community centered around convenience. Residents enjoy an economical alternative to downtown living without sacrificing the charm or accessibility of being in the center of everything. Commercial tenants benefit from “built-in” customers, free parking, and proximity to other businesses for patrons to visit while in the area. As with all Chinburg developments, these buildings include impeccably decorated common spaces for residents and commercial tenants, along with rooftop decks, outdoor grills, fitness rooms, function rooms, bike storage, and beautifully landscaped outdoor areas that allow residents to “live large in small spaces.”

Chinburg’s passion for transforming abandoned and underutilized mill properties is evident in the vibrant communities it has built over the past 35 years. Its standout mill renovations purposefully preserve the historic charm of each carefully restored building, creating a seamless blend of old and new–a style that has become synonymous with the Chinburg brand. Walking into any Chinburg property, one appreciates how it is thoughtfully designed for aesthetic appeal while inspiring a lifestyle of comfort, convenience, and flexibility.

Located in the new 1884 House, Botanica Restaurant and Gin Bar sits in the heart of the West End, offering an intimate dining experience that blends the history of the building into every aspect of its design. The bar and table tops were made from

reclaimed wood from the building’s original 300-yearold yellow pine beams, giving the space character. “I always thought about opening an upscale restaurant in the West End. When I heard they were redeveloping this building, I connected with Chinburg, and with their support, we made it happen,” said Botanica owner Brendan Vesey. With plenty of free parking and patio seating, it’s no surprise the establishment has become a year-round hot spot on the Seacoast since opening in 2019. Botanica’s customers include a mix of tenants, residents from surrounding neighborhoods, and tourists passing through. Brendan also notes the convenience of the West End’s many restaurants and shops. “Living less than a mile from the restaurant, I

can easily walk to work and run errands for myself and the restaurant. I often get coffee from Caffe Kilim, check on my beer delivery from Liar’s Bench, or grab lunch from Otto.”

Owner of Oomph Salon, Tanya Hart, moved her team of stylists from downtown to the first floor of the Frank Jones Brew Yard and, shortly after, expanded to the second floor. “The West End has changed quite a bit over recent years; no one was coming here for much before, but now many new businesses have moved in, making it a great spot. It’s close to the highway and away from busy downtown. Plus, architecturally, the space is gorgeous.” Tanya plans to bring her second business into the building soon.

Seacoast Real Estate Photography

Just across the parking lot from the Frank Jones Brew Yard, on the former Portsmouth DPW garage site, sits Brewery 145, a 4-story contemporary-style building with 92 residential units with outdoor patios, balconies, and a shared rooftop deck. The Brewery Lane Suites sit between these properties with businesses including Mission Fitness, Compass Real Estate, Roots Integrative Therapies, Elements Design, and others.

The Brewery 145 development brings a much-improved aesthetic to the area. Among the first tenants were 82-year-old Ed Beevers and his wife, Suzette. “Every property we’ve owned has been a lifestyle change. At this stage in life, I don’t need to do snow removal or pay property taxes,” said Ed. “There’s a great mix of ages in the building; everyone knows everyone by name. And I’m not afraid to walk at night. I can go to Mojo’s for a glass of wine and not worry about being bothered.” Ed grew up on Islington Street and has since

lived in many areas of Southern Maine and the Seacoast. “They’ve kept the look of the historic properties, which I like.”

Another resident, John Dye, who owns Sole Training in the 1884 House, said, “It’s nice to walk across the parking lot to work. Living here provides access to so much–a high-end restaurant like Botanica, Korean food at Nikki’s Banh Mi Shop, and Hannaford’s grocery store. They’ve done a great job repurposing the buildings instead of tearing everything down.”

It’s easy to see what makes this little slice of Portsmouth so special to those who live or build their businesses here. Some even call it the “Brooklyn” of New Hampshire. Whether or not you agree, one thing is for sure–this neighborhood has become a highly desirable place for people of all ages and stages of life looking for a community where they can live, work, and play on the Seacoast.

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Brewery 145 | Seacoast Real Estate Photography

“

There’s a great mix of ages in the building; everyone knows everyone by name.

Brendan Vesey Ruth Ganev Photography

John Dye & Ed Beevers Ruth Ganev Photography

Tanya Hart Ruth Ganev Photography

Thinking About Downsizing?

Talk to Liz Levey-Pruyn

SEACOAST REALTOR AND DOWNSIZING EXPERT HELPS RIGHTSIZE YOUR NEXT HOME SEARCH

ARTICLE BY TARA PHILLIPS PHOTOGRAPHY BY RUTH GANEV

“I am not talking people out of downsizing, but I want them to fully understand the decisions they must make.”

Empty nesters? Retirement nearing?

Living in just three rooms—the rest collecting dust? Time to downsize? After snow blowing the driveway and shoveling out a space for Fido, the last nor’easter has you ready to shed this “mortal coil.”

Dreams of effortless living—someone handling the shoveling and trimming the bushes, dance in your head.

“What I see more often is people realizing they downsized too much and too quickly,” cautions Liz Levey-Pruyn, downsizing expert and realtor with the Seacoast Dwellings Team at Aland Realty. Having helped countless clients downsize, Liz focuses on rightsizing. “I am not talking people out of downsizing, but I want them to fully understand the decisions they must make.”

There are three “bags” to unpack for the downsizing journey. “What are your goals, priorities, and future needs?

If reducing finances is a goal, downsizing space may not downsize expenses. A small home, especially an older one, still needs maintenance, and a condo comes with assessments and monthly fees.

The downtown Portsmouth lifestyle has an allure, but do you want to walk everywhere, even on a cold, rainy night, or will a coffee

shop and market nearby suffice? For those with fenced-in yards in quiet suburbs, Liz points out potential noise from busy streets and late-night activities and that postage stamp-sized yard with neighbors nearby.

While condo life is appealing, be realistic about communal living. Besides sharing walls, there are building rules and limited storage and parking to consider. Are you prepared to give up a car? And does Fido meet the pet regulations?

Future needs like aging in place and room for kids and grandchildren to stay are other crucial considerations. Do you need a first-floor primary suite and guest space now, or are you okay with renovating later?

Last, Liz explains, “It almost always comes down to the furniture. Are you prepared to give up the dining set you bought when you were married?” List the essentials, especially oversized pieces that require space, Liz advises. Then, work room by room. Start easy with the guest room or closet. As for the kids’ boxes, Liz is emphatic, “They don’t want their stuff—no trophies, no high school photos, no furniture.”

After unpacking these bags and emptying the attic, you will feel the “mortal coil” shed and be ready to rightsize.

realty report

BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Rein & Co. Design

MARCH 19TH & 21ST

Silverstone Living Educational Events

10 Allds Street, Nashua & Online | 10:00 AM

Plan well to live well! Silverstone Living Communities have you covered. Each month, Silverstone Living hosts a variety of informational and educational events. To attend one of our virtual or in-person events for At Home By Hunt, Webster At Rye, Hunt Community, or The Huntington at Nashua, please visit  www.silverstoneliving.org to register.

MARCH 28TH

Grand Opening of Skinceuticals Spa at AW Plastic Surgery

AW Plastic Surgery | Nobles Island | 500 Market St #1B, Portsmouth | 5:00 PM

Please join us for this fun event celebrating the grand opening of our new Skinceuticals Advanced Clinical Spa now located at AW Plastic Surgery. We are excited to open our doors and welcome. in the community.  For more information and to RSVP,  please email info@awplasticsurgery.com or call us at 603-294-4526.

MAY 11TH

Annie’s Angels

Heavenly Ball

The Envio, 3rd Floor | 299 Vaughn Street, Portsmouth | 5:30 PM

Annie’s Angels Heavenly Ball tickets are on sale now. The event starts at 5 pm with a cocktail hour and silent auction, followed by a sit-down dinner and dancing with Johnny B, the Party Time DJ. Tickets are $175 pp. Annie’s Angels helps New Hampshire families struggling with a life-threatening disease, illness, or disability.  To learn more and purchase tickets, visit anniesangels.org.