Dover waterfront project progress: Latest on housing units, businesses, public park

DOVER — One year after breaking ground along the Cocheco River, the city and developer Cathartes are making progress on a project touted to transform Dover’s waterfront.

Hundreds of housing units and thousands of square feet of commercial space are being built over the next few years after decades of advocacy from city leaders. Upon completion, the private portion of the development will feature three mixed-use buildings, two multi-family buildings and three clusters of townhouses, accounting for 26,000 square feet of commercial space and 418 residential units, according to the city.

City Council members, Dover administrative officials and department heads, project leaders and stakeholders met on the riverfront in June 2023 for a groundbreaking ceremony. A little more than a year later, the minds behind the public-private partnership are seeing the anticipated finished product coming into focus.

The first housing units are expected to be offered by the end of 2025, according to Cathartes project manager Rob Simmons.

Site work on the city’s portion of the project — a new 3.4-acre public park with a public boat dock and kayak launch and a pavilion building next door on River Street — began shortly after the groundbreaking ceremony last year.

More: 5 exciting features boaters, paddlers and visitors can expect from Dover's waterfront park

“In general, the project is progressing on target for the summer 2026 completion,” said Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker.

Here's the latest on the redevelopment project:

What work has been completed on the Dover waterfront so far?

Significant momentum was achieved on the waterfront site in June, according to Parker.

Work completed included sewage inspection and testing, the completion of drainage work and installation of catch basins, and paving of new streets.

“Testing is underway for installing nearly 950 aggregate piers,” Parker reported. “These piers will serve as the foundation for building footings, allowing vertical construction to begin. June saw substantial progress on the project's underground infrastructure and groundwork for future building construction.

“Additionally, the city has been working with CJ Architects to wrap up the design elements for the park pavilion building,” Parker said. He explained the city's Cochecho Waterfront Advisory Committee park subcommittee will see the final designs on July 23, the plans will be released for bid and the hope is to select a vendor in late summer.

The public improvements are being led by contractor Northeast Earth Mechanics, which agreed to a city contract for over $19.5 million last year.

On Wednesday evening, City Council members will consider a resolution to authorize an additional $571,958 to Northeast Earth Mechanics to remove blasted ledge around the site and replace it with structural fill. The funding would also cover utility extensions and the removal of fencing and dugouts at Maglaras Park for soil storage from the waterfront site, among other items.

What are the phases for Cathartes housing development in Dover?

The Boston-based developer will complete the long-awaited private development, boosting the city’s housing stock, in three phases.

The first phase, expected to be wrapped up by the end of next year, will result in the creation of approximately 220 residential units and about 20,000 square feet of commercial space. The latter phases will end in the construction of almost 200 more housing units and another roughly 5,000 square feet of commercial space.

“The future phases have not been scheduled yet but our hope is to complete them as soon as we are able,” Simmons said.

How big are the housing units coming to Dover waterfront?

“(Apartments) will range in size from studio to three bedrooms, as well as three-bedroom townhomes,” Simmons said.

Renderings of the future waterfront housing units are not yet available.

Will the waterfront housing units be leased or sold?

Phase 1 housing units will are expected to be "entirely rental,” Simmons said.

The later phases will be a mix of leases and home sales, according to Simmons.

How much will the waterfront housing units cost?

Prices have not yet been set for the units that will be leased nor those that will be sold, though they’ll be listed at prices comparable to the market, Simmons said.

The cost of housing at the waterfront site is expected to be similar to the 130-unit Orpheum apartment complex on Washington Street, another Cathartes development, Simmons said. Current prices at the Orpheum were listed this week on its website as ranging from $2,425 a month for 582-square-foot studio, to $2,558 for a 744-square-foot one-bedroom unit and $3,495 for a 1,080-square-foot two-bedroom unit.

What amenities will be offered at Dover waterfront housing units?

Simmons said each housing unit will be built with balconies, designer finishes, stainless steel appliances and in-unit laundry, and they'll have views of the river.

The community will boast numerous perks, such as a high-tech fitness center with a yoga studio, fireplace lounges with local artwork, and a top-floor terrace with panoramic views of the waterfront. The site will additionally include garage parking, electric vehicle charging stations, bicycle and kayak storage, pet-friendly amenities and a professional co-working space with conference rooms that will be open to the public.

Have tenants been identified for the Dover waterfront's commercial space?

Cathartes did not reveal whether any commercial tenants have signed on to call the waterfront development home in the future.

“We have a lot of interest in the commercial spaces both from local food and beverage operators to retail opportunities,” Simmons said.

More local news: Multi-family housing proposed on Silver Street in Dover, at site of 1760 home

What roads are currently closed amid the ongoing work at the waterfront site?

Payne Street (formerly River Street) is still closed between Henry Law Avenue and Washington Street while construction is ongoing, which includes River Street sewer pump station upgrades, according to the city. The closure is expected to stay in effect through Labor Day, though the date could change depending on construction.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Dover waterfront: Latest on housing units, businesses, public park