Coming soon to Upton Street: A mixed-use village with 136 luxury apartments

The dilapidated former DPW facility at 27 Upton Street will be transformed into a mixed-use village of luxury apartments and retail space by GSX Ventures, the group which recently completed the approval process for a transit village in North Grafton.

The Select Board approved GSX’s proposal for the property Tuesday night.

There was one small hitch: while the majority of the Select Board were under the impression that the Upton Street proposal was for only 55-plus housing, the 136-unit luxury complex will be open to all ages. Ten percent will be designated affordable.

“It would be designed for active seniors,” said Michelle McGregor, chief operating officer for GSX. She said the one and two bedroom units are expected to appeal to active seniors such as retirees or empty nesters.

Jon Grant, GSX founder and president, added that similar projects usually become primarily senior because of accessibility, the limited bedrooms, and cost.

“I’m not opposed to this project,” Select Board member Ray Mead said. “I was kind of taken aback that it was not going to be 55 and over.”

Select Board member Doreen Defazio noted it may be appealing to younger people who want to remain in Grafton but may not be in the market for a house.

Prior to the DPW’s move to its new Old Westboro Road facility, the Planning Department considered multiple uses for the 7-acre Upton Road property, ultimately settling on mixed use. The project spans two parcels, the former DPW at 27 Upton Street and 17 Upton Street, a barn structure which will be preserved for use as a brew pub.

The company hopes to acquire an adjacent duplex building for parking and notes that the current post office already has plans to change to retail.

The complex will feature retail space, including a restaurant, on the ground floor. The housing area features a large clubhouse with a demonstration kitchen, a fitness center, conference rooms, group workspaces, and a gathering area that looks out to a central courtyard. A covered parking deck will be available for residents.

“This is the kind of housing density we need more of in Grafton,” Select Board member Mat Often said.

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