Seven-story mixed project proposed for Dexter Street

PAWTUCKET – The Peyser Real Estate Group, a New Jersey-based real estate company, is proposing a seven-story mixed residential and commercial project at 71 Dexter St., between the Dennis Lynch Arena, the Centennial Towers highrise, and Walgreens, and just around the corner from a future new commuter rail station and The Guild brewery.

A master plan that was up for discussion by the City Planning Commission Tuesday evening, Oct. 22, proposes demolition of an existing cold storage warehouse and construction of a new mixed-use commercial and residential structure including structured parking.

“The city of Pawtucket is excited that developers see Pawtucket’s potential,” said Mayor Donald Grebien prior to Tuesday’s meeting. “We welcome the Peyser Group to develop this important gateway to the future commuter rail station area, referred to as the Conant Thread District.”

The project is located on the site of Cala Fruit Distributors, within sight of ongoing redevelopment projects in The Times building and Beswick building on Exchange Street, at the gateway to Pawtucket from Central Falls.

The Conant Thread District is a special zoning district around the coming train station, where work has begun, and lays out the ground rules for redevelopment. The area has seen several major projects proposed or commenced in recent months.

“These are exciting times for Pawtucket, Central Falls and the Blackstone Valley as we continue to work with all interested developers on these types of transformational projects,” said Grebien. “Understanding that there are more steps in the process to be taken, the city continues to work closely with Peyser Real Estate Group on a proposal that benefits our community and is aligned with our vision.”

The company is proposing a mixed-use development project to include approximately 25,000 square feet of ground floor retail and more than 100 rental residential units. The initial concept proposal includes seven stories, say officials, including two floors of structured parking and retail. The project proposal is conceptual in nature at this stage and will be submitted to the city for consideration throughout the planning process, said Wilder Arboleda, spokesman for Grebien, so there are no exact totals of square footage as of yet.

“At the 71 Dexter St. location, one of the primary goals of this district is high-quality development projects, whether it be new construction or mill redevelopment, that are active for a variety of residents and continue to promote positive economic growth,” said Grebien. “The city, through its Commerce Department, is open for business.”