Dover, NH – It’s been five years since Mark Dickinson, President of Dickinson Development (www.dickinsondev.com) of Quincy, Mass., first introduced his vision to transform a blighted municipal public works yard near downtown Dover, New Hampshire, into an upscale, mixed-use ‘lifestyle concept’ project.
Finally, in early May, Dover’s Cocheco Waterfront Development Committee unanimously approved Dickinson’s revised plans, paving the way to move ahead with the estimated $65 million project known as Dover Landing. The 21-acre site hugs the scenic Cocheco River and is connected directly to the downtown commercial district by a new bridge.
The project timeline calls for site and building design to proceed through 2012; complete permitting and closing with the City in early 2013; and construction in two phases from mid- 2013 through early 2016. Dickinson estimates the project will create hundreds of construction jobs and that commercial tenants will create several hundred full-time jobs. He predicts annual real estate taxes for Dover will be as much as $1,000,000 upon completion. He also anticipates a ‘ripple effect’ that will attract new residents and visitors who will stimulate business throughout the downtown.
“Successful development is all about compromise and patience,” says Dickinson, who has earned a reputation for staying with his projects despite seemingly impossible hurdles.
About five years ago Dickinson replied to the city’s Request for Proposals and was named Designated Developer’ for Dover Landing in 2007. Since then there have been numerous change requests.
Under Phase I, a 16,000 square-foot, 2-story waterfront building will include one or two restaurants on the ground floor and offices on the second. This will be a visual gateway from downtown Dover to Dover Landing.
Across from the waterfront park will be three townhouse-style buildings of ‘live work’ units. The
first floors will be office or retail with residences above and garages behind.
As part of the agreement, Dickinson agreed to build a waterfront park from the bridge to Henry Law Park. This park will include a riverwalk and event pavilion adjacent to the parking. A new pier will be built for excursion and day boats, a short walk from downtown and the restaurants.
The target demographics for Dover Landing is a relatively high median household income, people who are leisure/culture/entertainment oriented, probably college grads without children.
In recent years, Dickinson’s other projects have included the transformation of a 33-acre landfill in Reading, Mass., into an upscale destination retail plaza; replacement of an industrial eyesore into a pleasing supermarket center; and the of a dilapidated former textile mill in New Bedford into a market that created 400 full-time jobs, plus a riverfront park.
Mark Dickinson envisions many people will like the option of living in downtown Dover, being able to walk to work. Dover is about one hour from Boston and offers access by car, boat, train
and bus.
Dickinson says it’s not too early for anyone who might want to locate an office, restaurant, retail
store or residence at Dover Landing to make inquiries. We welcome inquiries and we’ll add you to our list.”
“In 2011 Money Magazine rated Dover, NH, as one of the country’s ‘Top 100 Places to Live.’ We’re hoping Dover Landing can help the city move up several notches,” Dickinson says.