Big changes are coming to the corner of Washington Street and Dorchester Avenue in Dorchester!
Universal Hub is reporting that the Zoning Board of Appeal has given the green light to a project that will replace the legendary Spukies N Pizza building and its adjacent parking lot with a four-story, 14-unit condo development. But don’t worry, pizza and sub lovers—the project includes plans for the owners to return to their roots with a ground-floor space to whip up their legendary pizza and spukies* once construction wraps up.
Stavros and Theodora Retzos, the husband-and-wife team behind Spukies since 1997, proposed the redevelopment as a way to create a lasting legacy for their family. And honestly, what better tribute than on a lot shaped like a slice of pizza? Their attorney, Nicholas Zozula, confirmed that the oddly triangular property inspired a design that balances modern living with a nod to the area’s history.
The new project will include six residential parking spaces and a scaled-back 12-foot curb cut on Washington Street—reduced from the current 22 feet. Several new street trees will line Washington Street and a private way beside the property, adding a fresh touch of urban greenery.
Two of the condos will be designated as affordable housing, and all 14 units will be fully handicap accessible.
This isn’t just a standalone change, either. The new building will sit next to another transformative project—an apartment building set to replace the Metamorphosis convenience store site, bringing even more life to this busy Dorchester intersection.
Of course, zoning hurdles had to be cleared, including variances for parking, open space, and side-boundary setbacks. But as Zozula explained, the unique shape and slope of the lot made these exceptions reasonable. The board agreed, unanimously approving the project, contingent on a formal agreement for the affordable units and a design review by the Boston Planning Department.
You can get all the details here.
*a noun. Old school Boston term for sub.
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.
