Submitted by FurbiesInsideMe t3_108h8b5 in CambridgeMA
Hey all, does anyone have insight into what is being built at Lechmere Square (the lot vacated by the former station) at the corner of Cambridge and McGrath? I’m aware that they’re extending First Street to connect to N First Street. What else?
>Indian restaurant that is always empty but never goes out of business
Are you talking about Desi Dhaba in Lafayette Square because yes.
Probably Royal Punjab since that's on Cambridge St about 100 yards from the CVS at the corner of Cambridge and Third.
There was a time that Desi Dhaba had a line out the door for lunch. Prob 15 years ago, and back when Dali was considered one of the best Tapas restaurants (maybe it still is, I just haven't been since then). Was a great cheap lunch served on a metal tray.
Dali still holds up
When I first moved here there were 5 Indian restaurants in Central. Maybe 6 actually. All had lunch buffets every day and all were mostly empty every day. There is no way that food was reheated every day over and over.
I've ordered from Desi Dhaba once when I had just moved to Cambridge and didn't know any places (winter 2019) and it was decently good - especially their naan which most places don't do well. But when I first saw it in person, empty on a Saturday night, that was concerning to say the least.
Place sucks
Small triangle is going to be landscaped greenspace (see page 45) https://www.cambridgema.gov/-/media/Files/CDD/Transportation/Projects/obrienhwy/finaldesignplans.pdf
I don't think any structure has been approved for the rest of the site where the old station sat. I think originally it was going to be retail. It's in private hands now, so you'd think there is no way it would remain greenspace (unless Cambridge purchases the land back), but all I see is a huge mound of dirt being built up there.
Thats known as parcel V, from the developers plan. There are no known plans but looks like some sort of building is expected.
The folks who live nearby are gonna miss the ear shattering screech of the steel wheels from the trolleys making that hairpin turn at the terminus.
Oh don’t worry, the new Green Line is already screeching.
I sincerely hope another CVS or Starbucks. There are just never enough of those around 😞
The only definitive thing I've seen is what's posted here: https://www.cambridgema.gov/CDD/Projects/Transportation/greenlineextension#:~:text=June%202022,Street%20and%20O'Brien%20Highway.
That looks to be Parcel V on this conceptual master plan. It looks to be some kind of building facing O'Brien Highway and the other buildings on Gore and Cambridge Streets. Also some sort of plaza facing Cambridge Street. https://www.cambridgema.gov/-/media/Files/CDD/ZoningDevel/SpecialPermits/sp179/sp179_stationplaza_20200413.pdf#page=6
Land space wise mostly just a park, probably with a small retail shop attached with a dog park as well.
200 Dunkin’ Donuts .
Maybe biotech space?
Interesting to see that nobody really knows exactly what's happening with it. I've wondered every time I've driven by. Seems weird that they don't post something on the construction fences making it obvious.
This_Cantabrigian t1_j3sfw66 wrote
It’s gonna be a CVS, a bank, a barbershop, a nail salon, and an Indian restaurant that is always empty but never goes out of business. They want to keep it in theme with the rest of Cambridge St. Oh, and another Dunks cause the nearest one is two blocks away.