Demolition is now underway at Portsmouth’s former city jail after plans to implode the aging structure were scrapped due to safety concerns.
The jail, which sits along the city’s waterfront near City Hall, is slated to be torn down and redeveloped into valuable waterfront property, part of broader efforts to revitalize downtown Portsmouth.
In December, city leaders announced Water Street would close from the parking garage to City Hall as preparations for demolition began. At the Portsmouth state of the city address, Mayor Shannon Glover said the city anticipated imploding the building in late 2025 or early 2026…