Settlers' Green sprucing up for its 20th anniversary next year

Settlers' Green Outlet Village in North Conway is in the midst of a $2 million renovation and upgrade in anticipation of the retail center's 20th anniversary next year.The three-year project includes a new children's play area and water-spray; a new concrete surface for the courtyard; a new gazebo in the center of the courtyard; landscaping; and a new seasonal outdoor dining area.In addition, the oldest buildings in the complex have been repainted, and Settlers' Green is gradually replacing all the roofs.Dot Seybold, general manager of Settlers' Green Outlet Village, said most of the work has gone to local contractors, including Northern Building Supply, Gordon Burke and Sons, Whitelaw Electric, Diversified Property Services, GB Carrier and more."We have had dozens of hard-working guys here, and they have done a fabulous job not easy when there is so much pedestrian traffic," Seybold said. "You won't find any better workers anywhere in the country. They take such pride in everything they do."She added, "We have had no complaints about the construction, and people, especially kids and guys, love to stand around and watch the crews pouring cement and banging nails."Seybold said sales at Settlers' Green "have increased nicely this summer," despite construction activity in the area, high gas prices and the "lousy economy."Settlers' Green, which has about 60 stores and 240,000 square feet of retail space, is fully leased, Seybold said. And plans are under way for another phase of buildings 65,000 square feet in 2009.