A longtime business fixture of downtown Goffstown will become even more prominent next spring.

A new Goffstown Hardware building is currently under construction adjacent to the business’s present location at the corner of Depot and Main streets.

The new building will feature approximately three times more retail space, an expanded parking lot and greater room for product display, said the store’s owner.

“One of the main benefits will be an opened-up space,” said Larry Brown, who has owned the business at 24 Main St. with his wife, Sandy, since 1981. “The building is pretty tight. Anybody who’s been there knows our cash register space is pretty tight.”

The new building will increase the store’s size from the present 4,500 square feet to 15,000 square feet. The current parking lot’s eight positions will expand to 37 spaces, Brown said.

To get the building process underway, Brown said the company had to demolish three houses and a warehouse building the Browns owned on the site of the new store, as well as taking down a greenhouse on store property.

The project is now in the site work stage, Brown said. After the demolition of the buildings, the foundations had to be dug out and dirt and clay were brought in for the new site. Other work includes the replacement of a culvert in the store parking lot.

Brown said he expects the new store’s foundation to be laid before the ground freezes this year, and for construction to continue through the winter.

With a greater amount of retail space available, the store can now begin the rental of tools and the introduction of Carhartt clothing, Brown said. The store will also be able to offer more products in its current departments, which include housewares, farm items, pet products, automotive, electrical, outdoor living, lawn and garden, sporting goods, hardware, tools, plumbing and paint supplies, Brown said.

The new store should be open next spring, Brown said. He and Sandy will continue to own the current building, and plan to rent it for business use.

John Hikel, a member of the Goffstown Economic Development Council, said the council has discussed possibilities for the building’s future. Though no solid plans are in place, Hikel said he approves of the expansion and the opportunity for new businesses in the downtown area.

“I think it’s a great idea, and it’s good for downtown,” Hikel said. “I think the owners of the hardware store are good neighbors, and I’m sure whatever (Brown) does will be good for downtown.”