Historic Mill Renovation in Portsmouth, NH: Reimagining the West End
The landscape of Greater Portsmouth is defined by its 19th-century history.
Once the heart of the region’s economy, massive brick mills rose up to anchor downtown centers and neighborhoods like the West End. However, as the local business landscape evolved, these grand structures were often left behind as relics. Today, Eric Chinburg and his Newmarket-based firm, Chinburg Properties, are ensuring these landmarks don’t just survive, but thrive. By masterfully executing complex historic mill renovation in Portsmouth, NH, the firm has successfully turned decaying brick shells into vibrant focal points of modern community life.
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Reimagining the Architectural Legacy of the Seacoast
“I started my company in 1987 and bought my first abandoned mill in 1996 on Portsmouth’s West End,” Chinburg says. “That industrial property was redeveloped into 63 apartments called Millport, located in a great part of Portsmouth.”
Building on that early success, Chinburg Properties has continued to expand its footprint across the Seacoast. Today, the firm’s portfolio features standout residential and mixed-use communities that preserve the raw charm of New England’s past.
From Frank Jones Brew Yard to Brewery 145: Transforming the West End
Perhaps the firm’s most notable contribution to the Portsmouth, NH, West End real estate market is the dramatic revitalization of the former Frank Jones Brew Yard complex. Chinburg Properties also transformed the former Frank Jones Brew Yard complex into two mixed- use buildings, also on the city’s West End. One building is solely residential, with 54 apartments, and the other includes 14 upper-level apartments and commercial spaces on the first two floors.
Continuing its streak of revitalization, Chinburg Properties recently debuted Brewery 145. The project completes the transformation of the Frank Jones neighborhood with a 92-unit residential hub, offering a mix of studio and multibedroom layouts starting at $1,900.
Expanding Beyond the Mills: Luxury Condos and Historic Cottages
The company also has plans for an upscale development in Portsmouth called Woodbury Reserve, which involves demolishing an abandoned home and reinvigorating adjacent abandoned property, then constructing eight new condominiums with a starting price of $1.3 million.
Building on their reputation for revitalizing the Seacoast’s historic landscape, Chinburg Properties also meticulously restored the 19th-century Carey Cottage at Creek Farm, transforming the grand summer estate into a nonprofit incubator.
Why Restoring Historic Real Estate Makes Economic Sense
For Eric Chinburg, the draw of these properties lies in both aesthetics and economics.
“Old buildings are appealing for their brick exteriors and huge windows and other attractive features, and they are often located in the heart of downtown or other great parts of cities – even sometimes along rivers,” Chinburg says. “They are good choices for young professionals, and they are also excellent for developers because constructing these kinds of detailed buildings today would be much too expensive. Restoring them is great for many reasons.”
Along with Portsmouth, Chinburg develops properties and constructs new housing in surrounding municipalities, including Greenland, Rye, Dover, Exeter, Hampton and others.
Chinburg adds that Greater Portsmouth is known for its history and coastal access, and the region is experiencing a development surge to accommodate a steady increase in residents who want to live here.
“Our company is constructing a lot of new houses for people of all ages, and I also really enjoy preserving and revitalizing different mills and other buildings,” he says. “I like to often use some of the original materials in old buildings to incorporate into the new transformation projects.”
By blending historic preservation in New Hampshire with modern luxury, Chinburg continues to shape the region’s architectural legacy, ensuring that its storied past remains a vital part of its vibrant future.
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