Headlined by an agreement for 35,000 sf by Dahle North America, 9 and 49 Vose Farm Rd. secured commitments from two other local firms, Armored Textiles and W.G. Ellerkamp, and another from Florida-based Product Quest. "We have been pleased with the response to date," says broker Ted Geary of Klemmer Associates, the Winchester, MA-based real estate services firm retained as exclusive leasing agents. The rise to nearly 50% occupancy has been aided by a network of clients and community involvement, says Geary, further citing "a low basis and excellent infrastructure that allow us to offer the most competitive terms in the market." Klemmer officials declined to offer specifics of the lease terms.

Located about 40 miles west of Manchester, NH, Vose Farm Road is a key part of Peterborough's commercial base, notes Geary. Companies operating there include InfoUSA and Eastern Mountain Sports, which is headquartered at 1 Vose Farm Rd. The 9 and 49 Vose Farm Rd. structures were previously occupied by Brookstone and New England Building Services before being abandoned several years ago, and Geary says a desire to reinvigorate the buildings has led to helpful community cooperation.

Among those praising the investment is Jack Burnett, executive director of the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce. "The redevelopment…is a huge boost to the town of Peterborough," says Burnett, already restoring lost jobs and tax revenues. Juniper and Klemmer Associates, he says, "understood the viability of Peterborough's real estate market and used their resources and expertise to breathe life back into these vacant buildings."

Besides the just-completed leases, Brookstone Business Center is also renting space to several firms on a short-term basis. The buildings can be sub-divided to 7,000 sf, although Geary says there are some sizeable requirements considering the park and several leases pending.

Southern New Hampshire was hit hard by the New England recession that began in 2001, but observers report the flex, industrial and office sectors are finally turning around, partly aided by the ascension of the Manchester Boston Regional Airport a half-hour drive from Peterborough. The facility not only is servicing some four million passengers annually, it has also been seen as a benefit for distribution and logistics companies who previously had to stick close to Logan International Airport in Boston. Vose Farm Road is near several major roadways that offer access to Maine and Massachusetts via Interstates 93, 95 and 495, plus Routes 3 and 202.