Big idea: Couple submits proposal for downtown music hall with a social twist

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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IBK4eydOwM]


MANCHESTER, NH —  Matt and Jody Wilhelm, Manchester residents and managing members of Old Sol Productions, LLC, are actively preparing a proposal for the Manchester Development Corporation (MDC) to restore, renovate, and reopen the historic Rex Theatre (23 Amherst St.) as a social enterprise to be known as Old Sol Music Hall [watch the video above for an overview of the proposal.]

Matt and Jody Wilhelm outside 23 Amherst St., where they would like to create a unique concert venue with a community service component.
Matt and Jody Wilhelm outside 23 Amherst St., where they would like to create a unique non-profit concert venue with a community service component.

On Feb. 15 the MDC released a Request for Proposals (RFP) to redevelop and operate the 23 Amherst St. building. The MDC purchased the property in January of 2016 with the goal of seeing it transformed into a venue for live music, theatre, movies, community events, or another creative concept that will transform the building and improve Manchester’s downtown.

Under their unique public/private/non-profit partnership proposal, Old Sol Productions, LLC would purchase 23 Amherst St. from the MDC, lead the process of renovating the building, pay property taxes, and lease the building to Old Sol Music Hall, Inc., a separate not-for-profit organization that will operate the venue.

To date, the Wilhelms have secured commitments totaling more than $350,000 to support the project.

Screenshot 2016-02-15 at 2.43.39 PM⇒The community is invited from 9-10:30 a.m. for a Community Visioning Session at NHIA’s French Building Auditorium (148 Concord St., 2nd floor). Whether or not you pre-registered, we hope you’ll choose to come and bring a friend. There’s plenty of street parking and we’ll have coffee and snacks on hand. We’re looking forward to a great conversation! OldSol.org.


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Below is the city’s RFP for 23 Amherst St.

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About this Author

Carol Robidoux

PublisherManchester Ink Link

Longtime NH journalist and publisher of ManchesterInkLink.com. Loves R&B, German beer, and the Queen City!