The Truette Rises on Dover’s Cochecho Waterfront: First Phase Delivering 220 Units Late 2025

Decades-Long Vision Becomes Reality as Mixed-Use Development Takes Shape Along Historic Riverfront

After nearly 50 years of planning and false starts, Dover’s Cochecho Waterfront is no longer just a vision—it’s rising from the ground. Buildings C, D, and E are now taking shape along newly paved streets, marking a transformative milestone for New Hampshire’s oldest permanent settlement. With first occupancies targeted for late 2025, the $100+ million development is delivering much-needed housing while creating a new waterfront neighborhood.

The project reached a critical milestone in 2024 as vertical construction became visible to the community. Cathartes, the Boston-based developer, working with architect EMBARC, general contractor Windover Construction, and H+O Structural Engineering, has Building C’s foundation complete and elevator shaft in place, with steel framing beginning this fall. The 29-acre site is rapidly transforming from vacant industrial land into a vibrant mixed-use district featuring 418 residential units and 26,000 square feet of commercial space.

From Empty Promises to Rising Buildings

For decades, Dover residents watched development proposals come and go—killed by recessions, cost concerns, and environmental challenges. But where others saw obstacles, Cathartas captured opportunity for the betterment of Dover.

Phase I delivers 197 apartments ranging from studios to three-bedrooms, plus 23 townhouses, addressing a regional housing crisis with Dover’s vacancy rate below 2%. Renowned chef Evan Hennessey has already signed as the development’s first commercial tenant, bringing his acclaimed Stages restaurant to the waterfront—signaling confidence in creating a true destination, not just another apartment complex.

Climate Resilience Built Into Every Foundation

The entire site sits within a flood zone, requiring innovative approaches meeting 2100 sea level rise projections. The development team elevated the entire site while incorporating green infrastructure managing stormwater naturally through bioretention systems.

Northeast Earth Mechanics stabilized over half a mile of riverfront using engineered solutions protecting both the development and salmon runs in the Cochecho River. The granite toe wall construction demonstrates how modern engineering works with natural systems rather than against them.

Public Investment Paying Dividends

Dover’s $20 million public investment is already delivering returns. The city installed streets, utilities, and infrastructure, transforming the former industrial site that once housed a wastewater treatment plant and public works facilities into development-ready parcels. The Tax Increment Financing structure ensures taxpayers recover this investment through future revenues while gaining immediate community benefits.

The upcoming Nebi Park—named using the Abenaki word for water—will provide 3.4 acres of public riverfront access. Pine Brook Construction won the $1.46 million pavilion contract, with construction beginning spring 2025. Great Bay Rowing’s recently approved boathouse adds another community asset, activating the riverfront year-round.

Accelerating Toward Completion

With foundations complete and vertical construction underway, the development maintains its aggressive timeline. Windover continues pushing construction, with Phase I on track for a Q4 2025 completion.

What’s Next

As Dover’s newest buildings rise along the Cochecho River, they’re establishing a model for transforming New England’s underutilized waterfronts into climate-ready communities. The first residents moving in late 2025 won’t just have new apartments; they’ll have front-row seats to one of New Hampshire’s most ambitious urban transformations. With the right team bringing vision, deal structure and design expertise, yesterday’s industrial sites become tomorrow’s neighborhoods.

Designing a new mixed-use, multifamily project? H+O helps developers control structural costs before they turn into $1M+ pro forma problems. Let’s connect before you lock in costly decisions.