Old music hall space to be child care center

LONDONDERRY - A former music hall will become a new childcare facility.

The Planning Board granted a conditional use permit at a meeting Sept. 6 for the Learning Tree Early Education Center to take over the former site of the Tupelo Music Hall and an adjoining building at 2 Young Road.

The Tupelo Music Hall moved its music/performance operation to Derry last year.

Scott Hayward has owned the Londonderry Tupelo site since 2004, opening up the small venue, previously known as the Muse at the Gray Goose, and offering concert-goers opportunities to see some of the music industry's best from decades past, present and up-and-coming names.

A large, two-story home, dating back to about 1890 according to town assessment records, is attached to the former music space, and was also once home to gift shops prior to the Tupelo taking over.

Childcare center owner/applicant Nicole LaMarsh told board members her operation would welcome about 75 children. Four classrooms would be located in the former performance side and another four classes will be in the former home.

LaMarsh said she has decades of experience in the childcare field, working at a previous facility in town.

Planning Board member Mary Soares said she was sad to see the music space go, but welcomed LaMarsh and her plan to education children in town.

"I'm heartsick that it's not a theater anymore," Soares said.

Board member Leitha Reilly noted she had never been inside the space when it was the former music hall, but said the childcare facility is a welcome addition to the community.

"I love the fact that this is going in there," Reilly said. "Daycare centers are so franchised and this is an old house and a lovely place, it's like a home."

Ann Chiampa, a member of the Planning Board and also the town's historical society, said the old home on Young Road had a lot of history.

LaMarsh said members of the Young family had talked to her about the home's past.

"The Young family explained the history of the home to us," she said.