Land Use Law- July 2011

New "Blake Block" Construction to Begin

Located in Bedford Center across from the Town Common, the “Blake Block”, as it is known locally, has been the source of anxious but cautious optimism for the past several years.  The property owner and residents alike have awaited the day when a bigger and more vibrant building would characterize our Town Center.

With Brown & Brown’s assistance, a Special Town Meeting in June 2007 allowed for a rezoning of the property with an overlay district known as “Town Center”. The Special Permit granted by the Bedford Planning Board has been amended more than once to work through the details of the development program and site plan – 10,000 sf of mixed restaurant and retail space with seven residential condominiums above will glorify The Great Road, wrapping around the corner of Fletcher Road.  A new larger parking lot will be located to the rear and the renovated sidewalk will boast park benches, bike racks and new street trees.   

Construction financing is in place, the tenants have moved to temporary homes or closed up shop, the asbestos has been removed and demolition will be underway soon.  Pedestrians will need to cross to the south side of Great Road in front of the Common to traverse this section of roadway on foot.  Construction is estimated to take 10-12 months, with shops and restaurants open by the Fall of 2012. 

The building, depicted above, will curve around the corner of Great Road and Fletcher Road

Rear side, facing the parking lot

Images care of Maugel Architects

Click for larger image

Plan care of GPR Engineering

www.blakeblock.com has more info

Print PDF of this  Article

Back to Land Use