Revitalizing an Aging Retail Property

Case Study: Merchant’s Row Redevelopment

Merchant’s Row involved redevelopment of an older commercial property in Norwell that had been built up over time with a mix of uses, including the Barnside Tavern, the Assinippi General Store, and other retail spaces. The site had been acquired with renovation in mind, but it became clear that bringing the existing buildings up to a usable standard was going to be difficult. There were numerous building and health code issues, and attracting tenants to the existing structures was a challenge.

At that point, redevelopment became the more realistic long-term option.

Existing Conditions and Constraints

The property came with a number of real constraints. The buildings were older, spread out, and in poor condition. The site also had wetlands, an aging on-site wastewater facility, and jurisdictional issues related to Third Herring Brook and the Rivers Act. Parking, traffic flow, and site access were also not working well.

This was the kind of site where the physical issues, the permitting issues, and the redevelopment goals were all tied together. None of them could really be looked at in isolation.

Permitting and Approvals

Because of the site’s non-conforming conditions, the permitting path was challenging. The project went before the Zoning Board of Appeals, where six special permits and two variances were requested and granted unanimously. Other required permitting involved the Conservation Commission, Board of Health, MassDOT for the curb cut, and DEP for wetlands and wastewater.

A significant part of the work was understanding the critical path early and staying coordinated through it.

Redevelopment Approach

The final redevelopment brought the site together as a unified complex instead of continuing to treat it as a collection of older, disconnected buildings. The work included updated drainage, wastewater treatment, parking improvements, better circulation, and improved site access.

The finished site also included a mix of compatible uses, outdoor seating, and pedestrian walkways throughout the property. A town sidewalk was extended to connect the site to a nearby recreational facility.

Working with the Town and Community

One of the keys to the project was getting early Town buy-in and working closely with Town officials throughout the process. That helped keep the project moving through what could have been a difficult approvals process.

There was also community interest in the site and its history. Existing buildings were used for Fire Department training prior to demolition. Historic building features were offered to the Town, and a historic plaque commemorating the Assinippi General Store was placed at a resident’s request. There was also public concern, so part of the process involved working through that response as the redevelopment moved ahead.

Result

The project turned two non-conforming properties into a single, more functional commercial complex with updated infrastructure and improved site layout. Merchant’s row is good example of the kind of redevelopment work that requires thoughtful planning, permitting, infrastructure upgrades, and coordination with local boards and the community all at the same time.

Merchant’s Row was recognized by the New England Real Estate Journal as Project of the Month in March 2018.