Dover’s downtown waterfront development will now be known as “The Waterfront District.” The name reflects the city of Dover’s long-held desire to transition the mostly vacant land into a mixed-use destination, home to a vibrant commercial district within a centrally located neighborhood, which is being built by Cathartes.
Dover’s downtown waterfront development will now be known as “The Waterfront District.” The name reflects the city of Dover’s long-held desire to transition the mostly vacant land into a mixed-use destination, home to a vibrant commercial district within a centrally located neighborhood, which is being built by Cathartes.
Dover’s downtown waterfront development will now be known as “The Waterfront District.”
The name reflects the city of Dover’s long-held desire to transition the mostly vacant land into a mixed-use destination, home to a vibrant commercial district within a centrally located neighborhood.
Until now, the parcel, which is located across from Maglaras Marina along the Cochecho River, and the development effort have been referred to as the Cochecho Waterfront Development. The neighborhood is being built by Cathartes, including the first phase, which is currently under construction.
“Watching Cathartes bring the community vision for the waterfront to reality is something special. The design elements, attention to detail and quality control will be a source of pride for those who occupy the space, those who visit the space, and those who marvel at the accomplishment, Cathartes and the community have achieved,” said Dover’s Deputy City Manager for Development and Strategic Initiatives Chris Parker. “This project is a game changer for the site and the community. The end result will be something to enjoy and celebrate for years to come.”
The Waterfront District, which is accessible from Washington and River Streets, will offer a number of public amenities, including a new city park, the Dover Waterfront Pavilion and a public dock with access to the river. Residents of and visitors to the District will have walkable access to the nearby Maglaras Park.
“The Waterfront District is the realization of a collaborative vision that began thirty years ago,” said Margaret Joyce, Dover Chamber of Commerce President. “It will become an important downtown destination, adding much-needed housing, commercial space and new public access to this beautiful point along the Cochecho River. The Chamber is excited about this transformational project that will benefit residents and businesses on both sides of this treasured waterway.”
Additionally, The Waterfront District will include three mixed-use buildings with 26,000 square feet of commercial space, two multi-family buildings and 23 townhouses. In total, there will be 418 residential units.
“The announcement of the Waterfront District’s name marks a significant transition from an undeveloped parcel to the beginnings of an exciting neighborhood in the heart of historic Dover,” said Cathartes Director of Asset Management Jackie Huber. “We look forward to our continued partnership with the city as we work to make this neighborhood a destination for those looking to shop, dine and live in the community.”
The process to develop the land began in 2005 with a community charette, which laid out a vision for the parcel, followed by the city taking steps to improve safety and feasibility, including moving the wastewater treatment plant previously located on the parcel to Middle Street. Cathartes, which developed Orpheum Apartments and Cowork on Washington Street, became involved with the project in 2018 following a public bid process.
