Highway Welcome Centers to Receive Major Upgrade

Those who regularly travel the Everett Turnpike and Interstate 93 are no doubt familiar with the Hooksett welcome centers, where those driving both north and south are able to exit the highway for a quick bathroom break, some material on state tourist activities and, of course, make a few purchases at the state liquor store.

Those welcome centers are now about to receive a major facelift as Gov. Maggie Hassan and the Executive Council have approved a $32 million plan to improve the sites through a public-private partnership with Granite State Hospitality, LLC, which owns and operates the Common Man restaurant chain.

"This innovative collaboration between the public and private sector will help boost our economy and ensure that visitors to the Granite State receive the kind of welcome that makes them want to return again and again," said Hassan, in a prepared statement. "Not only will the project create more than an estimated 130 long-term jobs and spur economic growth, but the beautiful new welcome centers in Hooksett will greet visitors with a uniquely New Hampshire style that highlights what makes our state so special."

The initiative, according to a recent press release, will create jobs and provide travelers with easy-to-access restaurants and fuel stations, and include an interactive visitor' center. The project is expected to begin in late 2013 and be completed by April 2015.

"This is a win-win for the State of New Hampshire and for travelers," New Hampshire Transportation Commissioner Chris Clement said. "New Hampshire will benefit from two completely modern service centers that will provide a wide range of services for motorists on the I-93 corridor."

Granite State Hospitality, LLC will design, finance, build, operate, and maintain the service areas under a 35-year lease agreement with the state of New Hampshire.

In addition to 20 gas pumps, restrooms, a bank, vending space, drive-thru window, and a pet-walk area, each new 36,000-square-foot building will feature a New Hampshire "mill-building architectural style" and will include a 1950s style diner, Italian farmhouse, old-time deli, coffee and breakfast shop, country style convenience store, an interactive visitor center, and a NH State Liquor and Wine Outlet.

The state expects to receive a minimum of $23 million in rent over the lease period, which could increase to more than $39 million based on concessions and gas sales.