Multiuse building proposed for Mulberry Street in Milton

The Milton Planning and Zoning Commission heard concept review plans at its June 18 meeting for a proposed three-story, multiuse building proposed to be located at 210 Mulberry St.

While plans are in the early stages, the proposed building, which would be located on a parcel across the street from Casa San Francisco, would have a commercial space on the first floor, likely with either a kitchen or dining space, additional event/tenant space on the second floor and two apartment units on the third floor.

Owner Christine Degnon said she envisioned the first floor as a kitchen area that could prepare meals but also hold educational activities for those learning to cook. She said she and her sister are starting a nonprofit organization called the Peacock Foundation to support health and wellness. While she said plans for both the building and the nonprofit are still in the early stages, she viewed the project as a service for the community – cooking and teaching people how to make and eat healthy meals. 

Although the use of the second floor is still a bit undefined, Degnon said she would like the third floor to support affordable housing. The two units depicted in the concept plans show one- and two-bedroom apartments on the third floor. 

When asked about whether this use is permitted in the town’s historic district, Project Manager Tom Quass said the district permits dwelling units above a first-floor business. Town Solicitor Seth Thompson said one issue to be decided is whether additional commercial space could be on the second floor or if that floor would have to revert to residential use to conform to code. 

Chair Richard Trask said while there are still some issues to be worked out related to parking, he liked the idea, as it was something different and creative. He praised the plans for apartments on the third floor. 

The commission encouraged Degnon and her architectural team to bring in an engineer to help further flesh out the concept in order to later bring the proposal back for a site-plan review.