Purpose

The design guidelines are intended to shape quality redevelopment in Dedham Square and proximate commercial properties. The area has a mix of architectural styles and land use patterns developed over centuries, from historic neighborhood streets to the busy highway corridor.

History

Dedham Square is a historic town center, surrounded by walk-able neighborhoods, well situated within Greater Boston, with good access to transportation networks. Since 2004, seven mixed-use projects—buildings with residential apartments over commercial spaces—have been approved and built. These projects have expanded the residential component of Dedham Square, bringing the total number of apartments from 34 to 198. A number of additional properties have potential for redevelopment. These factors create a need for comprehensive, high-quality design guidelines.

Project area

The project area is Dedham Square with a few adjacent commercial areas.

Goals

This project should guide future development by providing a template of architectural styles, design elements, and land use patterns that reflect the interests of the community. 

Funding

The project was funded at $30,000, which was approved by a vote of Town Meeting in May 2017.

Process

The Dedham Planning Board established the Dedham Square Steering Committee in 2017 to include the following representatives:

• Planning Board, Michael Podalski (chair);
• Board of Selectmen, Michael Butler;
• Master Plan Implementation Committee, Michelle Persson Reilly;
• Zoning Board of Appeals, Jessica Porter;
• Dedham Square business owner, George Panagopoulos;
• Dedham Square property owner, Mark Gottesman;
• Dedham Square property developer, Giorgio Petruzziello;
• Dedham Square Circle, Ryan McDermott; and
• A citizen with no board or committee affiliation, Peter Smith.  

The Town Planner and Economic Development Director and the Executive Director of Dedham Square Circle are working with the Steering Committee.   

The initiative will include a review of history and existing conditions, a framework and storyboard of design and development patterns, community meetings and input, and final documents.

Community Meetings

• The first community meeting was held on Tuesday, January 30, 2018, at the Dedham Middle School. Watch the video.
• A second community meeting was held on Tuesday, March 20, 2018, at the Dedham Middle School. Watch the video.

Thanks to Dedham TV for recording these meetings and making the videos available online. 

Contact

For more information, please contact Economic Development Director John Sisson, (781) 751-9175, jsisson@dedham-ma.gov.