Demolition is moving forward at the vacant 47 Chestnut St. property, clearing a step for a mixed-use development that would bring 173 residential units, a restaurant and commercial space to the site.
The project received a demolition permit in early November, according to filings and information provided by the city. The property formerly housed a Family Dollar, a New Hampshire State Liquor Store and Iron Empire Gym. It has been vacant for years.
A project approved in 2022
Dover’s Planning Board originally approved the development in 2022. The city approved an extension in March 2025 after the project faced a delay connected to financing, according to a request filed with the city by Francis Bruton of the Bruton & Berube law firm.
The proposed building would include a restaurant with outdoor seating and commercial space on the first floor. Plans also call for a club room, a fitness area, co-working space and a courtyard near the Cochecho River.
- 173 residential units are proposed.
- The upper floors would include studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments.
- Nine units are proposed as two-story townhomes.
Residential and commercial space
More than half of the apartments are expected to be studios and one-bedroom units. The development’s four upper floors would contain the residential units, according to the site plan filed with Dover.
The project would replace the existing building at 47 Chestnut St. with a larger mixed-use property combining housing, dining and commercial uses. The site plan places the courtyard closest to the Cochecho River and includes outdoor seating associated with the restaurant.
The demolition permit marks the latest action on a proposal that has been under city review since its Planning Board approval. The project’s approval was extended in 2025, and demolition work can now proceed under the permit issued this month.
