Watertown-based developer taking over remaining Table Talk Pie site, planning 185-unit building

Watertown-based SMC Management Corp., a developer who is working to build a 110-unit building on Madison Street, is taking over development of the remaining open area at the former Table Talk Pies factory in the Canal District, with plans to construct a 185-unit apartment building at the site. 

The new apartment building, dubbed The Residences at Table Talk Square, will be constructed on Green Street at what was the planned site for the third phase of the Table Talk Pie redevelopment, according to a Nov. 28 LinkedIn post from Bob Simonds, director of capital projects at SMC Management.

The site was set to be developed into 375 apartments in partnership between North Carolina firm Quaterra Multifamily Communities and Boston-based Tremont Development Partners, the firm formerly known as Boston Capital, but was later cancelled as Quaterra withdrew from the project. 

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SMC Management is planning to construct the 185 market-rate apartments on top of a double parking podium with two elevated courtyard patio areas, likely providing a view of neighboring Polar Park.  

Michael Barrett, director of investor relations for SMC Management, declined an interview request regarding the project when contacted by WBJ via email, saying the firm would be open to providing more information in the new year after further due diligence.

The original plans for the site would have involved demolishing the former Smokestack Urban BBQ restaurant in order to make room for the 375-unit building. That parcel was instead sold in June, with the new owner planning to convert the space into a Chinese restaurant.

It’s unclear whether SMC Management is moving forward with this project on its own or with Tremont Development Partners. Tremont Development Partners did not immediately respond to a voicemail requesting comment from WBJ about the project. 

In a letter to the Worcester City Council in November providing updates on construction in the Ballpark District, City Manager Eric Batista said the firm formerly known as Boston Capital was looking for a new partner for the parcel. 

Market Square Architects of New Hampshire is handling the design for SMC Management’s projects on both Madison Street and Green Street, according to Simonds.

Eric Casey is the managing editor at Worcester Business Journal, who primarily covers the manufacturing and real estate industries.