Transforming Contaminated Sites into Thriving Destinations
Dickinson Development — Brownfields Redevelopment. Experts Since 1980.
Founded in 1980 and headquartered in Quincy, Massachusetts, Dickinson Development Corp is a full-service commercial real estate developer with a proven track record of turning complex, environmentally challenged properties into high-performing retail, mixed-use, and community assets.
Recognized as Brownfields Redevelopment Experts, we have successfully redeveloped major contaminated sites across New England. Our team has invested millions in environmental remediation and construction while creating hundreds of construction jobs and thousands of permanent positions.
We specialize in navigating geotechnical challenges, regulatory approvals, landfill capping, gas management systems, and public-private partnerships to deliver projects on time and on budget.
Our signature approach combines creative engineering, strong tenant partnerships, and community-focused design to deliver lasting economic and environmental benefits.
Featured Contaminated Site Redevelopments
Walkers Brook The Crossing The Crossing at Walkers Brook Walkers Brook Drive, Reading, Massachusetts
Former Use
Former 33.5-acre municipal landfill (closed 1985)
Description
One of the largest and most complex landfill closure and redevelopment projects in New England history. Dickinson Development purchased the site from the Town of Reading in 2000 for $3 million and assumed full responsibility for capping and remediation to meet strict MassDEP requirements.
Key Features
- Unique landfill cap design with enclosed flare system for gas collection and destruction
- Mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) retaining walls up to 35 feet high
- 1,300 foundation piles and specialized gas-protection systems built directly over solid waste
- Vertical, multilevel retail design to maximize usable space on challenging topography
Project Highlights
475,000 sq ft retail center completed in 2005 at a cost of $100 million. Anchored by Home Depot (ground level) and Jordan’s Furniture with 450-seat IMAX theater (upper levels). Phase II added Bank of America, Chili’s, Staples, Paper Store, Starbucks and more — 100% leased on opening day. The center now welcomes Trader Joe’s in place of Staples, elevating its overall value and drawing new energy to the property.
Community & Economic Impact
- ~$750,000 annual property tax revenue for Reading
- Hundreds of construction and permanent retail jobs
- Saved the Town millions in closure costs and potential sanctions
RSL Riverside Landing Coggeshall Street, New Bedford, Massachusetts
Former Use
Former Fairhaven Mills industrial complex (rundown 1,000,000+ sq ft mill buildings on 14 acres)
Description
Dickinson Development partnered with D.W. White Construction to revitalize this underutilized and unattractive waterfront industrial site along the Acushnet River. The project transformed a blighted mill district into a modern mixed-use retail and community destination while incorporating riverfront public access and infrastructure upgrades.
Key Features
- 105,000 sq ft DeMoulas Market Basket supermarket as Phase I anchor
- 4-acre commercial out-parcel visible from I-195
- Additional planned 40,000 sq ft mixed-use office/retail building in future phases with new river walk and public park.
- Major street and I-195 ramp reconstructions for improved traffic flow and pedestrian safety
Project Highlights
$35 million Phase I completed with grand opening of Market Basket in 2010. Full development created hundreds permanent jobs and approximately $500,000 in annual tax revenue for the City of New Bedford.
Community & Economic Impact
- Catalyst for the Hicks-Logan-Sawyer District revitalization
- Enhanced public riverfront access
- Hundreds of construction jobs
- New pedestrian-friendly streets and infrastructure funded in part by state grants
Why Choose Dickinson Development for Contaminated Sites?
From former landfills and industrial mills to complex brownfields, our team has the experience, engineering partnerships, and regulatory know-how to turn environmental liabilities into economic assets.
We deliver transparent public-private partnerships, creative vertical design solutions, and long-term community value — on time and on budget.