The historic brick buildings that were once the center of commerce and industry in downtown Suncook have been included on the National Register of Historic Places.

The area, called the Suncook Village Commercial and Civic Historic District, joined the registry on March 15.

The cost of researching and preparing the nomination was shared by the town of Pembroke's Economic Development Committee and by Meet Me in Suncook, a local redevelopment organization.

The area included within the listed district extends along both sides of Main Street on the Pembroke side of Suncook Village. The closely spaced buildings in this district, constructed of locally produced brick and granite during the late 1800s, are considered to represent one of the best preserved small commercial centers in New Hampshire. The commercial district was built to serve employees of three cotton textile mills that were built on the Suncook River during the 1860s. Pembroke Mill, one of two surviving mills, has been listed in the National Register since 1985.

The nomination cites the “exceptional workmanship of the brick architectural detailing on many buildings” in the district, noting that the district embodies the kind of compact urban growth that occurred in once-rural areas as water power was harnessed for manufacturing.

The district includes the Clocktower Building of 1879. The Town of Pembroke and Meet Me in Suncook restored the long-silent village clock in 2001, helped by contributions from many private donors.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official listing of significant historical resources that are worthy of preservation. Listing in the register does not impose restrictions on the use of private property, but it does protect listed resources against harm from state or federally funded projects. Listing may also qualify buildings for various grants or for tax credits for careful rehabilitation.