As the economy stabilizes, interest in the route 125 Corridor has been rekindled. “Epping will be one of the first areas to start growing again,” according to brokers that represent national businesses and retail tenants. “Market Basket is doing gangbusters, and O’Neil Theaters is close to breaking ground – that will bring a lot of new customers to Epping.” And Exeter Hospital is seeking approvals to open a larger, 10,000 SF primary care facility in Epping.
I’ve been aware of the impact of the completed NH 101 ever since I researched population growth along it. The towns along NH 101 grew at a rate at least 55% faster than the average growth rate for the state, in great part because driving east and west, between I 95 and I 93, was faster and easier than ever before. And the single fastest growing community was Epping. Now that the economy is showing signs of life, major expansion plans are being executed and we will see the differences in the next 18 months. CVS, Exeter Hospital, and O’Neil Theaters, along with other major retail tenants have plans to open soon in Epping.
Once the retail market reaches a certain density, I expect office and service uses to look more closely at Epping as well. The development and utilization of office space typically follows retail growth – it’s easier to hire employees when they can fulfill their shopping and dining requirements close to where they work. For example, since the Rockingham County Courthouse complex is only 2 miles south in Brentwood, it’s only a matter of time until more law firms open offices in Epping. Because of careful planning for growth, the availability of land and a convenient road way network, Epping is on the move again.
John Mueller
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