Construction is Set to Begin for the Redevelopment of 12-16 Essex Street
The City of Melrose Office of Planning and Community Development announced that the construction for the redevelopment of the 12-16 Essex Street building located across from City Hall will soon be underway. Wakefield Associates, Inc., headed by Dana Lopez, a local and experienced builder, will begin preparation work this week ahead of the demolition of the building, which will begin Monday, November 13.
During the demolition performed by Wakefield Associates, Inc., pedestrians will be directed to a protected path in the right-of-way. After about a week, when the demolition is complete, the sidewalk will be re-opened. The site will be secured while preparations and sitework take place for the next phase of construction. At that point, a protected pedestrian path will be constructed and be in place for the duration of construction to provide a continuous path for pedestrians. The street will be intermittently closed to vehicles only when necessary to ensure safety. Signage will be posted, and police details will be present during road closures.
The newly constructed building will be four stories with retail space on the ground floor and twenty-four residential units on the three upper stories. While always envisioned as a mixed-use building with housing over first-floor retail, the project was originally planned with fourteen residential units on the upper stories. That plan was not supported by some members of the historic preservation community who objected to the demolition of the building, and ultimately the Historic District Commission denied the request for a demolition permit. As a result, the owner proceeded under Chapter 40B, with twenty-four residential units and less parking. As a 40B Development, six of the units will be deed-restricted affordable units.
“There is a long permitting history for this site, and it is exciting that the redevelopment is finally kicking off,” said Planning Director Denise Gaffey. “When complete, the new building will restore the retail continuity from Main Street down to the existing businesses on Essex Street while providing much-needed housing opportunities and added vitality to downtown Melrose.”
“This project was initially approved in 2019 and the building has been vacant for several years,” said Mayor Paul Brodeur. “Its redevelopment will revitalize this important location while producing additional property tax revenue for the City.”
There will be a permanent interpretive panel installed on the building to memorialize the history of this site, which was the location of the first minority-owned business in Melrose. The panel will also provide context and commemoration of Asian American history in our area.
While the demolition and construction will be a temporary inconvenience, the new building will be a positive addition to the downtown and our city. The building is expected to be completed in early 2025.
About the Office of Planning and Community Development
It is the mission of the Office of Planning and Community Development (OPCD) to protect and enhance the quality of life in Melrose. To accomplish this mission OPCD provides long range planning, manages the capital improvement program, reviews and recommends changes in zoning, applies for and administers grants and community development programs and implements special projects. Additionally, OPCD supports the work of several Boards and Commissions in the City and reviews all major land use proposals, including subdivision plans and significant residential and commercial development proposals. To learn more about the OPCD, visit www.cityofmelrose.org/office-planning-and-community-development