Is Trader Joe's coming to the IHOP site in Quincy?

Peter Blandino, The Patriot Ledger
Updated ·3 min read
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QUINCY − The next phase in the development of Quincy's downtown district might include a Trader Joe's store.

A plan includes 300 apartments, a large city-owned parking garage and 20,000 square feet of retail space anchored by an unnamed "specialty grocer" at the site of the IHOP next to Generals Bridge, Hingham-based Atlantic Development President D.J. MacKinnon said at Wednesday's planning board meeting.

Neither the developer nor city officials named the specialty grocer, citing confidentiality requirements through the permitting process. But Quincy police Sgt. Pat Faherty told The Patriot Ledger that in June, while patrolling the area, he saw Trader Joe's personnel holding plans and large drawings on the property.

A rendering of a proposed multi-use development at the site of the IHOP in Quincy Center. Trader Joe's could occupy retail space on the first floor.
A rendering of a proposed multi-use development at the site of the IHOP in Quincy Center. Trader Joe's could occupy retail space on the first floor.

"There were two gentlemen up there walking the lot, they had their plans out, they were looking around, they were looking at the dimensions of the lot," Faherty said.

Asked for comment, a Trader Joe's spokesperson said that "we are actively looking at hundreds of neighborhoods across the country as we hope to open more new neighborhood stores each year. At this time, we do not have a confirmed location for Quincy."

The project: apartments, retail and possibly a Trader Joe's in downtown Quincy

The development would be at the intersection of Hannon and and Burgin parkways, bounded on the north by the Generals Bridge and on the east by McConville Way. MacKinnon said it would include about 300 apartments on top of 20,000 square feet of retail space.

A 700- to 800-car public garage would rise eight stories alongside the apartments, MacKinnon said. If approved, Quincy would put the garage out to bid for a general contractor and Atlantic Development would find its own contractor.

An aerial view of site plans for a proposed multi-use project at the site of the IHOP in Quincy.
An aerial view of site plans for a proposed multi-use project at the site of the IHOP in Quincy.

Renderings show apartment towers arranged around two courtyards planted with trees. MacKinnon said there could be a roof deck area for residents.

MacKinnon likened the ground floor of the project to The Abby in North Quincy, where residential units sit atop a Target, Paris Baguette (yet to open) and a parking area. Atlantic Development partnered with the Bozzuto Group of Washington, D.C., on The Abby, where about two-thirds of more than 600 apartments are now occupied.

Renderings of the McConville Way project show ground-floor retail space that would include a bank and a restaurant in addition to the grocery store. In capital red lettering reminiscent of Trader Joe's, a "Specialty Grocer" sign stands out against a brick facade.

Preliminary plans give the size of the grocer at 14,435 square feet. According to Wikipedia, most Trader Joe's locations are between 10,000 and 15,000 square feet.

A rendering of a proposed multi-use development at the site of the IHOP in Quincy Center. A specialty grocer identified as Trader Joe's could occupy retail space on the first floor.
A rendering of a proposed multi-use development at the site of the IHOP in Quincy Center. A specialty grocer identified as Trader Joe's could occupy retail space on the first floor.

“Adding a specialty grocer to our downtown is a big piece of our master plan, but it’s something that takes a critical mass of economic activity to make it viable," said Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch. "You don’t just get to wish it into reality, so I’m thrilled that we’ve reached that threshold with the downtown’s rejuvenation to date. This is going to be an exciting project to get moving.”

The developer and the planning board did not discuss costs of the project during the presentation. However, earlier in the year, Quincy submitted an application to MassWorks, a state program that provides money for local infrastructure projects, for a $75 million grant to fund a 1,000 car-garage costing about $80 million at the IHOP site.

The IHOP in Quincy is on Parkingway at the intersection of Hannon Parkway. The city is considering buying the property to build a parking garage. Monday, June 27, 2022.
The IHOP in Quincy is on Parkingway at the intersection of Hannon Parkway. The city is considering buying the property to build a parking garage. Monday, June 27, 2022.

Koch's chief of staff, Chris Walker, said the city council already approved money to buy the IHOP property, which is owned by Alex Matov and Adrien Shapiro, who also own Nova Quincy, the seven-story apartment at 1500 Hancock St. in the downtown.

If it's not a friendly sale, the administration would need council approval for an eminent domain land taking, he said. Council approval would be needed to approve money for construction of the garage.

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This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Trader Joe's may come to Quincy