Through a partnership of the NH Preservation Alliance, Liberty Utilities and the city of Concord, work has begun to on an emergency stabilization of the landmark gasholder building in Concord as work continues on a plan to further protect the building and determine its future use.

The stabilization phase will cost approximately $500,000 of the estimated $2.6 million to complete the first two phases of preservation, while the final cost will depend on what is done with the building and surrounding property.

The statewide nonprofit listed the gasholder on its “Seven to Save” list in 2020 because of its national significance — it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places — after Liberty announced plans to seek a demolition permit due to the imminent risk of collapse of the building.

According to the Alliance, the gasholder is considered the last of its kind in the country. Neighbors, civic and business leaders, and preservationists from across the nation have emphasized not only the importance of its preservation, but also its potential to serve as a catalyst for community development in Concord’s southern corridor.

“After spending more than a year listening to the community and working with stakeholders, we believe this mutually developed plan is the best option for Liberty’s customers and for the community of Concord,” said Liberty-NH President Neil Proudman. He called the plan “a win-win” that “puts the gasholder on a pathway for preservation, protects the environment and public health and safety, and will save money for Liberty’s customers compared to any available alternatives.”

Yankee Steeplejack Company is performing the work with construction management by Milestone Engineering & Construction.

Most of the initial work will take place inside the building, including construction of scaffolding to help support the roof and a broken compression ring that runs around the base, according to the alliance.