New Mixed-Use Project In Framingham Would Reboot Shopping Plaza

FRAMINGHAM, MA — The Planning Board this week will host a public hearing about a proposal to turn the Nobscott Shopping Center along Water Street into a 158-unit mixed-use development.

The shopping center, which sits near the intersection of Edgell Road and Water Street, is largely empty except for a CVS at the northeast end of the plaza. According to plans filed by Centercorp Retail Properties, the development would be comprised of three buildings — a mixed-use building along Water Street, a residential-only building behind it, and a new building for the CVS at the corner of Water and Edgell.

The historic Nobscot Chapel, which right now sits at Water and Edgell, would be moved to the southwest edge of the site. Plans call for the chapel to be repurposed for retail use.

The chapel was the focus of a bidding war recently. Centercorp owner Andrew Rose offered Framingham $50,000 for the building, and local resident Rick McKenna offered $40,000. McKenna wanted to turn the building into a market.

The other two buildings at the site would house 105 one-bedroom units, 45 two-bedroom units, and eight three-bedroom units. There would be about 245 parking spaces, according to the proposal. The building closest to Water Street would have retail on the first floor. The development would top out at three floors, according to plans.

The public hearing will be held on Wednesday in the Ablondi Room at Memorial Hall at 7 p.m.