City Annex restoration wins architectural recognition

The City Hall Annex reopened in August after an extensive restoration project. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - The city learned on Monday that its restoration of the City Hall Annex building, which reopened earlier this year, has earned recognition from the American Institute of Architects of New Hampshire (AIANH).

The annex project, which restored the building that originally opened as a fire station in 1904, will officially be recognized with AIANH's Rick and Duffy Monahon Award for Design Excellence in Architectural Restoration and Preservation at a ceremony in January.

"This project created a practical link to Rochester's past, and was completed with care and input from numerous people who were committed to restoring the building's 20th century character while developing it into a modern facility," City Manager Daniel Fitzpatrick stated in a press release. "I'm so pleased to see the dedication and effort that went into this project earning such a well-deserved honor."

The restored Annex, which had last been used as a police station before being abandoned for more than a decade, was celebrated with a grand re-opening in late August. It was designed by architectural firm Oak Point Associates.