New Mixed-Use Development
The Watertown City Council unanimously approved a Development Agreement between the City and Main Street Watertown LLC., also known as TWall Enterprises, to build a mixed-use building on Water Street adjacent to the future Town Square.
Approval of the agreement represents the culmination of negotiations between TWall Enterprises, the Watertown Redevelopment Authority (RDA) and the City. The RDA began laying the foundations for this project in 2017 by investing in the creation of the Town Square at the corner of Main and Water streets. Nick Patterson, project manager for TWall Enterprises, commended the RDA for their vision in planning the Town Square. "Our first objective on the project was to create an activity center," Patterson said. "But the City already has the Town Square, so all we have to do is put heads-in-beds and create high quality retail space."
When asked to weigh in on the agreement, Rob Marchant, Chair of the RDA, and Nate Salas, Vice Chair, acknowledged that none of this would have been possible without the RDA's purchase of properties along Main Street, the commitment from the City and the willingness of all involved to see the bigger picture. "We give our thanks to those individuals who put the interests of the community first. The development before Council was a direct product of their good will."
Alex Allon, Executive Director of the RDA, pointed out during the meeting that the timing of this project is fortunate in that Watertown will have high-quality development to complement the Town Square so soon after opening. TWall Enterprises anticipates construction to begin in Spring of 2022, end in Spring of 2023, and be fully occupied by early Fall 2023. Alderperson Tom Pasch reiterated that a big element of the project is having tenants in the retail space that activate and integrate well with the Town Square.
TWall Enterprises presented the Council with a PowerPoint showcasing examples of similar projects their company has built. "Our second objective is to create a development that will revitalize this area of the downtown and our third objective is to have iconic architecture, a beacon you can see from a distance and know you're in Watertown," he said. As its defining feature, the building intends to include a clock tower at its northwest corner in traditional Main Street style architecture.
Alderperson Karen Wendt asked how the lower-level retail would affect existing downtown businesses. Mayor McFarland said the 2,800 square feet of retail space would be very similar in style to others downtown and would complement existing establishments. "There's nothing that precludes an existing Watertown business from locating in that space as well," Allon chimed in.
Mayor McFarland confirmed with Mr. Patterson that this is the first in a series of projects the developer intends to pursue in Watertown. "I want to thank the City team, the RDA and TWall for their hard work putting this together," she said. "This is a profound and transformative project right in our hometown."