Development At Site of the Portsmouth Daily Times Building Proposed

The Portsmouth Daily Times building at the corner of State, Pleasant, and Church streets in Portsmouth, NH, was damaged in a major fire in 2017. The owner of this building has sought to redevelop it since November 2024. Several variances would be required for this project.

Peter Floros, the property owner, has wanted to rebuild since the fire damaged or destroyed several buildings. One of the other buildings affected was the State Street Saloon. Attorney Christopher Mulligan applied for these variances on behalf of Floros.

According to documents filed with the City of Portsmouth, this major development will be mixed-use. The ground floor will contain commercial and retail space. There will be 17 residential units on the upper floors.

Before the fire, the State Street Saloon occupied 266, 270, and 278 State Street. The restaurant/bar occupied the first floor, with the apartments on the upper floors. After the fire, the City of Portsmouth deemed 266 and 270 a total loss.

The Portsmouth Daily Times building was demolished on October 1, 2024. Despite the amount of property affected, the demolition caused minimal disruption. This may be a sign that construction at this site is unlikely to disrupt traffic to that great a degree.

The Daily Times building dates back to 1850. Portsmouth’s Historic District Commission (HDC) tried to block the demolition initially, citing the building’s historical value. However, the HDC reversed course when the city engineer found the building unsafe.

The new building would feature a design consistent with the original building. This new building would be consistent with other buildings in the historic district. A common hope among many in Portsmouth is that the new building will generate more interest in downtown.

Floros is no stranger to the real estate scene in Portsmouth. His family has owned the Portsmouth Times building since 1938. According to sources, Floros has found the decision to demolish the building one of his most difficult.

The buildings originally housed 14 apartments, which were total losses. Housing was provided for the displaced residents by the Red Cross. It is unknown whether the original residents intend to return to the building.

There is currently no information on the floor plans and amenities that the apartments will offer. However, there will be resident convenience in the form of adjacent retail space. The location will be convenient for anyone in downtown Portsmouth.

Several apartment buildings in Portsmouth offer studio and 1-bedroom apartments similar to the amenities that might available when the State Street project has been completed. These apartments have convenient locations. Any of these may be worthy of consideration.

There is a building at 191 State Street featuring 2-bedroom and 2 or 3-bath units. Beautiful hardwood flooring is used throughout the unit. A dishwasher, freezer, and refrigerator are included in the kitchen. The unit also has a washer and dryer.

Rendering Courtesy of Michael J. Keane Architects

The apartments at 97 Chestnut offer spacious 1-bedroom, 1-bath units. Closet space is generous for units of this size. Washer and dryer hookups offer major convenience. These apartments have also undergone kitchen and bathroom upgrades.

1-45 Market Street has apartments that have a 1-bed/1-bath floor plan and parking for a single car. Keypad entry from the street makes coming and going easier. There are floor-to-ceiling windows throughout, as well as maple flooring. Exposed wood and brick add a homey touch.

A fireplace and air conditioning keep your apartment comfortable all year. There is a 400 sq. ft. deck perfect for enjoying morning coffee or an evening drink. The kitchen features an island, quartz countertops, a gas range, and dishwasher. The bathroom features tile. Management will consider small pets.

The apartments at 96 Porpoise Way feature 2-bed and 1-bath units. There is off-street parking and leases are on a month-to-month basis. There are washer and dryer hookups.

At 70 Dennet Street, the apartments have 2 bedrooms with 1 bath. This building is on North Mill Pond, features off-street parking. Cats and small dogs are both welcome. Residents have access to a wraparound porch and fenced-in backyard.

Stainless steel appliances are in the open kitchen. You'll enjoy the cathedral ceilings in the living room. There is a 3/4 bath with adjacent laundry room. The loft offers excellent possibilities as an extra bedroom, craft room, or other prospects.