Voters in Exeter approved a $2.8 million bond measure Tuesday that will fund the restoration and preservation of several historically significant downtown buildings, capping a months-long campaign by preservation advocates who argued that the town’s colonial and Federal-era architecture is central to its identity and economic vitality.
The measure passed with 62 percent support at the annual town meeting, clearing the required three-fifths threshold for bond authorization. The funds will support facade restoration, structural repairs, and code upgrades for five buildings along Water Street and Front Street, some dating to the late 1700s.
“Exeter’s history is written in its buildings, and tonight the voters said loud and clear that they want to protect it,” said selectboard chair Daryl Browne.
The preservation effort was driven in part by concerns that deferred maintenance was putting several irreplaceable structures at risk. A 2024 assessment by a historic preservation consultant identified urgent structural needs in three of the targeted buildings, including the former Gorham Block, a striking three-story commercial building constructed in 1832.
The bond will be administered through a matching grant program that pairs town funds with private investment from building owners. Property owners who participate will be required to maintain the historic character of their buildings and comply with guidelines established by the town’s Heritage Commission.
“This is a partnership between the town and building owners,” said Heritage Commission chair Laura Knott. “The town is investing in the public benefit of preservation, and property owners are committing to stewardship.”
Opponents of the bond had argued that building maintenance should be the sole responsibility of property owners and questioned whether public funds should support private buildings. Supporters countered that the buildings define the town’s character and draw visitors who support local businesses.
Exeter’s downtown, much of which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, draws visitors year-round for its mix of independent shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. The town is home to Phillips Exeter Academy, one of the nation’s most prestigious preparatory schools, which adds to the community’s architectural heritage.
