Bierbrier Develeopment holds groundbreaking ceremony for 19,200 s/f retail center

Bierbrier Development Inc., a Lexington, Mass.-based developer of urban shopping centers celebrated its 40th groundbreaking for the start of construction of Needham Street Village Shops, located at 55Needham St. Featuring 19,200 s/f of leasable area and 79 total parking spaces, Needham Street Village Shops will be a LEED Silver retail project ready for occupancy this summer. More than 50 people attended the groundbreaking ceremony including city officials, business and community leaders and members of the project development team. Newton mayor Setti Warren, who was guest of honor at the groundbreaking ceremony said, "We are thrilled, we are thrilled about what is happening on Needham Street. It is a long-time coming." Bierbrier Development president Len Bierbrier said, "Today's groundbreaking is a major milestone for everyone involved in this project. It celebrates the implementation of the vision that the city of Newton has for the 21st Century conversion of Needham Street to a retail boulevard enhancing the live, work, play theme so relevant to the community. We are very appreciative of the officials of the city of Newton and the city's land-use committee and board of Aldermen for their guidance, cooperation and professionalism throughout the permitting processes of this project." Needham, Mass.-based Bowdoin Construction is serving as the general contractor. Cambridge, Mass.-based Prellwitz Chillinski Associates is the project architect. Atlantic Retail Properties is the exclusive leasing for the property.