DOVER—
Anyone who’s ever tried to hold a large indoor event in Dover will tell you that there simply aren’t a lot of choices, which makes the opening of Rivermill at Dover Landing a welcome addition to the burgeoning business and social landscape in the Garrison City.
“We’ve had a flood of inquiries already,” notes Britt Schuman, one of Rivermill’s five founding partners. “We’ve taken calls from wedding planners, non-profit organizations, business professionals, bands and comedians, and of course brides, and without fail, they’ve all expressed excitement about our space, many without even the benefit of having seen a picture.”
The early enthusiasm is no surprise. With room to accommodate up to 350 guests for a seated dinner event, Rivermill will instantly become one of New Hampshire’s largest event facilities when they open their doors to the public in February.
Its sheer capacity alone is enough to give an event space a leg up on the competition, but size isn’t the only distinctive characteristic that sets Rivermill apart. Located in downtown Dover in the artfully refurbished mill facility that was once home to Clarostat, Rivermill is elegantly situated on the banks of the Cochecho River in the heart of one of America’s oldest cities, just steps away from literally dozens of shops and restaurants, and within easy reach of convenient lodging and transportation options.
“We felt all along that Dover needed something like this,” reflects Schuman, “and once we got a good look at this space and saw its potential, we knew we had to make it happen.”
Once inside Rivermill, guests are treated to something much different than anything that the typical contemporary ballroom offers. There are no electric chandeliers or giant, folding room dividers, but instead, an impressive example of classic 1800s brick and beam architecture: lofty ceilings; rugged brick walls; and soaring, arched windows that offer layered views of the river, the adjacent, grassy expanse of Henry Law Park, and the peaks of Dover’s historic downtown edifices, including the picturesque Clock Tower atop City Hall.
“It’s just an amazing space,” says Anna Boudreau of the Strafford Rivers Conservancy, a Dover-based non-profit, which is holding a fundraiser in May that will be among the first events held in the new facility. “Our office is just upstairs, so we’ve had the unique opportunity to watch the day-to-day progress as Rivermill has been transformed from an abandoned warehouse to an inviting community treasure. We couldn’t be happier to be hosting an event here.”
Boudreau isn’t the only person to jump at the opportunity to utilize the new facility. During a recent photo shoot, local photographers, florists, and stylists converged on the space, including highly touted international wedding planner Kate Parker, who helped choreograph the shoot. Rivermill has also begun to align itself with notable area caterers like Galley Hatch and Kelley’s Row, along with Evan Hennesey, renowned chef from the 100 Club, The Dunaway restaurant and 43 Degrees North, and founder of Flavor Concepts Catering.
“Things are really beginning to happen quickly,” acknowledges Michelle Clancy, another of the Rivermill partners, who adds, “We’ve already booked several weddings right out of the gate, and we’re exhibiting at the bridal expo at UNH this weekend, so we’re hoping to generate even more interest and exposure at that event.”
In the meantime, Rivermill has scheduled an Open House for Saturday, February 5, a Valentine’s Dance on February 12 featuring beloved local band The Spectras, and is also targeting several front-line comedians for upcoming performances.
“At this point, it’s all about getting people in to see the space,” remarks Clancy. “Everyone who’s seen it to this point has had the same positive reaction, so our goal is just to let people know we’re here. If we can get them in, we’re confident that they’ll come back again and again.”
For a tour of the Rivermill space, or to book an event, please visit www.rivermillnh.com.
Photo caption: Rivermill at Dover Landing is situated on the banks of the Cochecho River, just steps away from Dover’s finest downtown shops and restaurants. (Courtesy photo)
Anyone who’s ever tried to hold a large indoor event in Dover will tell you that there simply aren’t a lot of choices, which makes the opening of Rivermill at Dover Landing a welcome addition to the burgeoning business and social landscape in the Garrison City.
“We’ve had a flood of inquiries already,” notes Britt Schuman, one of Rivermill’s five founding partners. “We’ve taken calls from wedding planners, non-profit organizations, business professionals, bands and comedians, and of course brides, and without fail, they’ve all expressed excitement about our space, many without even the benefit of having seen a picture.”
The early enthusiasm is no surprise. With room to accommodate up to 350 guests for a seated dinner event, Rivermill will instantly become one of New Hampshire’s largest event facilities when they open their doors to the public in February.
Its sheer capacity alone is enough to give an event space a leg up on the competition, but size isn’t the only distinctive characteristic that sets Rivermill apart. Located in downtown Dover in the artfully refurbished mill facility that was once home to Clarostat, Rivermill is elegantly situated on the banks of the Cochecho River in the heart of one of America’s oldest cities, just steps away from literally dozens of shops and restaurants, and within easy reach of convenient lodging and transportation options.
“We felt all along that Dover needed something like this,” reflects Schuman, “and once we got a good look at this space and saw its potential, we knew we had to make it happen.”
Once inside Rivermill, guests are treated to something much different than anything that the typical contemporary ballroom offers. There are no electric chandeliers or giant, folding room dividers, but instead, an impressive example of classic 1800s brick and beam architecture: lofty ceilings; rugged brick walls; and soaring, arched windows that offer layered views of the river, the adjacent, grassy expanse of Henry Law Park, and the peaks of Dover’s historic downtown edifices, including the picturesque Clock Tower atop City Hall.
“It’s just an amazing space,” says Anna Boudreau of the Strafford Rivers Conservancy, a Dover-based non-profit, which is holding a fundraiser in May that will be among the first events held in the new facility. “Our office is just upstairs, so we’ve had the unique opportunity to watch the day-to-day progress as Rivermill has been transformed from an abandoned warehouse to an inviting community treasure. We couldn’t be happier to be hosting an event here.”
Boudreau isn’t the only person to jump at the opportunity to utilize the new facility. During a recent photo shoot, local photographers, florists, and stylists converged on the space, including highly touted international wedding planner Kate Parker, who helped choreograph the shoot. Rivermill has also begun to align itself with notable area caterers like Galley Hatch and Kelley’s Row, along with Evan Hennesey, renowned chef from the 100 Club, The Dunaway restaurant and 43 Degrees North, and founder of Flavor Concepts Catering.
“Things are really beginning to happen quickly,” acknowledges Michelle Clancy, another of the Rivermill partners, who adds, “We’ve already booked several weddings right out of the gate, and we’re exhibiting at the bridal expo at UNH this weekend, so we’re hoping to generate even more interest and exposure at that event.”
In the meantime, Rivermill has scheduled an Open House for Saturday, February 5, a Valentine’s Dance on February 12 featuring beloved local band The Spectras, and is also targeting several front-line comedians for upcoming performances.
“At this point, it’s all about getting people in to see the space,” remarks Clancy. “Everyone who’s seen it to this point has had the same positive reaction, so our goal is just to let people know we’re here. If we can get them in, we’re confident that they’ll come back again and again.”
For a tour of the Rivermill space, or to book an event, please visit www.rivermillnh.com.
Photo caption: Rivermill at Dover Landing is situated on the banks of the Cochecho River, just steps away from Dover’s finest downtown shops and restaurants. (Courtesy photo)
