Lakeport’s historic opera house, established in 1882, stands proudly downtown at 781 Union Avenue on Lakeport Square. Newly restored after decades of being closed and left empty, The Opera House is returning to life once again thanks to passionate local developers and business people who believe in its potential to thrive as an integral part of the Lake Region community.
The Heart Behind the History
“Times have changed, but the restored Opera House with the cursive lettering that adorns the front of the building reading “Opera house, Est. 1882” is once again turning heads.” – The Laconia Daily Sun
With a love for the Lakeport, New Hampshire community, and a passion for the arts, Developer Scott Everett and Realtor Kevin Shaw came together with a shared vision for reviving The Opera House and restoring its former glory. Everett and Shaw have been friends since elementary school and make an unstoppable team that strives to create a space where people can once again gather together and enjoy what makes the area so unique. Many of Lakeport’s locals remember visiting The Opera House with grandparents or performing themselves in shows as children. The love for this location runs deep, and Everett described the passion project as his way of giving back to the community he holds so dear.
The Cornerstone of Community
Including three stories and almost 30,000 square feet, the gorgeous blue building known as The Opera House is in the final renovation stage. Gone are the plywood-covered windows, dusty hallways, and lonely, forgotten rooms. The charming classic exterior is complete as is the lower section home to two thriving businesses, The Laconia Daily Sun and the Wayfarer Coffee Roasters Cafe, where locals and visitors alike can connect over a hot cup of joe.
The upper levels retain key original features under renovation while introducing distinctive contemporary design concepts to handsomely accommodate events such as bands, musicals, plays, recitals, weddings, and others to be enjoyed by generations to come. The 3rd level apartments will feature soaring original ceilings and enormous windows to take in Paugus Bay’s activity and some of the Lakeport area’s best views.
Your Future Visit to The Opera House
We are scheduled to reopen in Summer 2021 and are targeting June to host our first event. Our staff is currently booking talent, and we will be sharing updates weekly. Whether you have lived in the Lakeport area your whole life or are just stopping in for a visit, we would be delighted to meet you. Come soak up the history, the passion for community, and the genuine care that permeates The Opera House and all it embodies. We can’t wait for you to see the house shining once again. The best is yet to come!