Dover's waterfront development takes center stage at State of City forum

posted on 3/28/2025

City officials and developers shared progress on the "Waterfront District" project at Thursday's State of the City forum, highlighting a decades-long vision now coming to fruition along the Cochecho River. The event was held at 121 Broadway in Dover.

Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker provided the historical context for the 29-acre waterfront redevelopment, which has evolved from an industrial site and public works facility to what will soon become an extension of downtown.

"This site is our future," Parker said at the event. "This site shows how this community continues to evolve and grow."

Jackie Huber, director of asset management with Cathartes, revealed that the first phase of apartments and townhouses, called "The Truette," is expected to be completed this winter. The development will include 197 apartments, 23 townhouses, co-working space, and over 10,000 square feet of commercial space.

Chef Evan Hennessey announced he will open a new restaurant called "Topolino," meaning "little mouse" in Italian, at the development. Unlike his fine dining establishment, Stages, Hennessey described the new venture as "casual Mediterranean, very community-based."

The project will also feature Nebi Park, which Cochecho Waterfront Development Advisory Committee Chair Norm Fracassa said will be larger than Henry Law Park. The park is named 'Nebi' to honor the area's indigenous heritage. The park will include a pavilion building scheduled for completion by December.

The Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce event was underwritten by Eversource with additional sponsorship from Breezeline and Kennebunk Savings. The event space was made available by Summit Land Development.

The complete State of the City forum is available to stream on the city's website and is currently playing on DTV, Dover's cable access channels.