Milton historic commission tables Union Street commercial proposal

The Milton Historic Preservation Commission tabled discussion of a proposed commercial boutique complex on Union Street to allow the applicant to revise the design.

Kristen Latham, founder of Dough Bar and Suburban Farmhouse, among other ventures in downtown Milton, has proposed a small, micro-market complex at the vacant lot at 216 Union St., near the intersection of Union and Broad streets. The complex would comprise a central plaza/beer garden and would have 16 small retail kiosks, which would be made out of repurposed shipping containers. Latham said the ground at the site would be leveled to make way for the kiosks. The plaza would be accessible from Union Street. 

Latham said she envisions the complex as a pedestrian-first design that would provide an active, outdoor social space downtown. She said the idea is that instead of one large building, the complex would comprise several smaller ones, similar to the rhythm of historic outbuildings and storefronts throughout town. Her vision is that the main building would include a deli/bistro at the center with two retail units housing eight 8-by-10 bays in each unit. The design is meant to look like an inverted U layout. 

Latham said the central plaza would include outdoor seating, fire features and string lights, all to encourage people to stay, not just pass through. 

For the commission, the main task was to debate the design of the project and whether it fits in with the historic district. The application will still have to undergo site-plan review by the planning and zoning commission.

Commissioner Diane Hake asked about parking, but Project Coordinator Tom Quass said because the property is in the Town Center zoning district, it is not required to have parking. He added that other businesses in the historic district, such as Milton Theatre, are not required to have parking. Quass said at this point, a site plan has not been submitted. 

Commissioner Al Benson asked whether the common area would have grass. Latham said the intention is for the plaza to be a mix of pavers and artificial grass so it will still be pet-friendly. 

For the commission, the biggest hangup was that the depictions of the design did not include any of the neighboring properties or how the complex would fit into the neighborhood. Without those depictions, the commission did not feel comfortable moving forward and asked Latham to bring back new renderings showing the complex with the surrounding neighborhood. With that, the commission voted to table the application.