The Dedham Planning Board has approved three significant development projects that will bring new housing, commercial space, and infrastructure improvements to key areas of the community. The approvals reflect the Town’s ongoing commitment to smart growth, economic vitality, and enhanced quality of life for residents.

Gateway Mixed-Use Development at 2 Bridge Street 

Caption (Top and Bottom): Renderings of the new mixed-use development in Dedham, provided by the property owners 2-4 Bridge Street LLC.

In February 2026, the Planning Board approved a new, four-story mixed-use redevelopment at 2 Bridge Street at the existing Waterford’s restaurant property. The project, located at the West Roxbury (Boston)/Dedham line and on the Charles River, will include 26 condominium units  and a 60-seat restaurant.  When complete, the project is expected to provide an estimated $50,000 in additional annual property tax revenue to the Town, along with additional restaurant meal taxes.

Redevelopment of 25 Allied Drive into Mixed-Use Development

Caption: Rendering of the new mixed-use development in Dedham, provided by ZDA Architecture & Interior Design.

In March 2026, the Planning Board approved the redevelopment of 25 Allied Drive, converting an existing 267-room Hilton hotel into a 160-unit mixed-use residential development.  The property is also home to 107,724 sq. ft. of existing office space, which will remain.  The approved project includes a mix of unit types (15% (21 units) will be designated as affordable units) and is expected to significantly increase the property’s assessed value (from approximately $13 million to over $42 million) resulting in an estimated $200,000 in additional annual property tax revenue to the Town, along with substantial one-time permitting fees.

The development will also construct a new sidewalk and crosswalk on Allied Drive to better connect pedestrians to the nearby MBTA Dedham Corporate Center Commuter Rail Station.

Caption: Rendering of the new proposed restaurant in Dedham Plaza, provided by Federal Realty Investment Trust.

In March 2026, the Planning Board approved a new, 157-seat restaurant with exterior patio and associated site improvements at 725 Providence Highway (Dedham Plaza). The property, which is owned by Federal Realty Investment Trust (owners of Dedham Plaza), will provide a number of site improvements including new sidewalks, vehicular speed reduction measures, landscaping, and stormwater management. 

The new eatery, “First Watch”, is a Florida-based casual dining restaurant with just two locations in Massachusetts: Boston and Hanover. First Watch offers fresh, made-to-order breakfast, brunch, and lunch dishes with a focus on seasonal ingredients and health-conscious options.

 This project will add to the growing list of restaurants along Dedham’s primary commercial corridor, Providence Highway (Route 1). In 2025, Dedham received nearly $1.5 million in local meals taxes, up 150% from pre-COVID levels in 2019, and is expected to increase in 2026.  When constructed, the project is expected to provide an estimated $26,000 in additional annual property tax revenue to the Town, along with additional restaurant meal taxes.

Across all three projects, the Planning Board identified strong economic and community benefits, including increased tax revenue, new housing opportunities (including affordable units), job creation, and meaningful investments in infrastructure, safety, and environmental sustainability. The projects will also support local employment during construction, including a Dedham resident employment program required by the Planning Board for major projects.

John Bethoney, Chair of the Planning Board stated: “Following extensive public input, thorough peer review, and an exhaustive review of our Town’s zoning bylaws, the Board determined that the overall benefits of these projects outweigh the potential adverse impacts. Our objective is to ensure that all developments not only comply with applicable regulations, but also enhance both our local economy and the overall quality of life of our community. In this case, these projects successfully achieve such balance, and our objectives.”

To learn more about the Planning, Zoning, and Natural Resources Department, or for Planning Board meeting agendas and future updates, please visit www.dedham-ma.gov/PZNR.