After months of site preparation, construction has begun at 380 Main Street – C&S Capital Properties’ exciting new mixed use facility in Stoneham Square. When completed in summer of 2017, Stoneham Square will boast a brand new first-floor restaurant, additional street-level retail space, and second and third floor office space that will meet existing and future needs for Stoneham and its surrounding towns.
The facility’s exterior design will be in keeping with the “look” of surrounding buildings in Stoneham Square. Upper floor office space will have the industrial look of exposed ductwork, metal decking, tall ceilings, ample natural light, and other amenities of current commercial building trends. Plans for the new restaurant include an outdoor patio adjacent to the Dow Building. Tenant fit-out work is expected in early summer with occupancy occurring in late summer.
The project is notable for its “firsts”. In June, 2016, the Baker-Polito Administration approved the 380 Main Street project for participation in the Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP), recognizing its potential for job creation. Stoneham Town selectmen and former Town Administrator David Ragucci were immediately receptive and supportive of the project. Together with Building Inspector Cheryl Noble and incoming Town Planner Erin Wortman, all worked to secure a 10-year TIF (Tax Increment Financing) – another development first for Stoneham. 380 Main Street is also the first direct response to the recommendations in Stoneham’s 2014 Strategic Plan for Stoneham Square; to increase density in the downtown, add retail and restaurants that add to the vitality of the streetscape – and all within walking distance of public transportation. C&S Capital Properties’ developer Chris Senna notes the success of Stoneham’s first mixed use facility – Frank Petrillo’s 411 Main Street building completed in 2014.
Senna is grateful to the kind reception from adjacent neighbors during construction. “Ed Pignone of Michel Coiffeurs, Josie Collucci of Stoneham Barber Shop and Helaine Balboni-Buonopane of Helaine Marie have been so supportive, particularly for us while we work with the incredibly tight space constraints of the project.”
Further details about the proposed restaurant and office tenants will be forthcoming. “We see this project as adding a good deal of vitality to downtown and to Stoneham”, notes Senna. “We’re particularly anxious to capitalize on the many recent revitalization efforts and downtown community initiatives such as the Farmer’s Market, the outdoor skating rink on the Common, and the Stoneham Transportation Action Committee’s ongoing plans to increase public transportation access throughout the town.