Franklin Opera House Awarded $312,500 in Tax Credits for Renovation

Funds will enable upgrades to historic performance space in downtown Franklin

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority has awarded Franklin Opera House, Inc. $312,500 in tax credits to support the renovation of the performance space within Soldiers' Memorial Hall in downtown Franklin. These funds will enable upgrades beyond the city's broader renovation efforts, ensuring the historic space meets modern infrastructure and safety standards.

Why it matters

The Franklin Opera House is a vital community gathering space and performing arts center. The tax credits will allow the nonprofit to make critical renovations to the historic venue, preserving it as a cultural hub and economic driver for downtown Franklin.

The details

The tax credits will support upgrades to the Franklin Opera House's performance space within Soldiers' Memorial Hall. The funds will enable the nonprofit to go beyond the city's broader renovation plans and ensure the historic venue meets modern standards. The deadline for businesses to pledge the first half of the $312,500 tax credit goal is March 31.

  • The New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority awarded the $312,500 in tax credits in March 2026.
  • The deadline for businesses to pledge the first half of the tax credit goal is March 31, 2026.

The players

Franklin Opera House, Inc.

A nonprofit organization that operates the Franklin Opera House, a performance space and community gathering venue in downtown Franklin.

New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority

A statewide nonprofit public authority that focuses on community development, economic development, and clean energy initiatives throughout New Hampshire.

Dan Darling

The executive director of Franklin Opera House, Inc.

Katy Easterly Martey

The executive director of the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This funding fills a critical need as we embark on our first-ever capital campaign to enhance the space for the benefit of the community and to advance the economic vitality of downtown Franklin.”

— Dan Darling, Executive Director, Franklin Opera House, Inc. (theconcordinsider.com)

“This year's awardees have demonstrated a deep dedication to their communities and are leading impactful projects that will deliver critical services and infrastructure needed throughout the Granite State. CDFA's Tax Credit and Capacity Building Programs are a vital resource for New Hampshire nonprofits and municipalities to advance projects that create the foundation for strong, thriving communities and grow our economy.”

— Katy Easterly Martey, Executive Director, New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority (theconcordinsider.com)

What’s next

Businesses have until March 31, 2026 to pledge the first half of the $312,500 tax credit goal to support the Franklin Opera House renovation project.

The takeaway

The tax credits awarded to the Franklin Opera House will enable critical upgrades to this historic community performance space, preserving it as a cultural hub and economic driver for downtown Franklin. The project demonstrates the power of public-private partnerships to revitalize local communities in New Hampshire.