Streets paved, foundation work begins at Waterfront site

posted on 7/10/2024

Last month, a city contractor laid new pavement on the waterfront development’s new streets, enabling easier movement of contractors and equipment through the development site. The pavement of the new Seaport Way and the River Street loop follows the completion of underground utilities for water, sewer, and drainage systems and the underground electrical duct banks that will service the site.

Following the sale of three parcels of land from the city to the developer Cathartes on May 31, contractors for the waterfront developer began preparing the site for the foundations of their new buildings last month. The contractors will be installing upwards of 950 underground aggregate piers upon which the building foundations can be built. The contractors are utilizing a machine that digs holes 40 to 60 feet underground that are filled with concrete, creating the aggregate piers.

The private development plan includes constructing three mixed-use buildings, two multi-family buildings, and three clusters of townhouses. The mixed-use development will include approximately 26,000 square feet of commercial space and 418 residential units.

The city’s contractor, Northeast Earth Mechanics, also began preparing the footprint of the planned public pavilion building that will be located on River Street next to the public park.

Payne Street (formerly River Street) remains closed between Henry Law Avenue and Washington Street while construction is ongoing, which also includes upgrades to the River Street sewer pump station. The closure is estimated to remain in place through Labor Day; however, the date may change depending on construction needs.

For more information, visit the Waterfront development page at https://www.dover.nh.gov/government/city-operations/planning/cochecho-waterfront-development/.