The Braintree Zoning Board of Appeals on the evening of the meeting granted variances that allow DICK'S Sporting Goods to convert the former Nordstrom at South Shore Plaza into a three‑story DICK'S House of Sport, a roughly 150,000‑square‑foot, immersive retail concept that includes a central clerestory and larger wall signage.

The vote clears the way for the applicant to seek building permits for a project the proponent estimated will cost about $30 million in renovations. The applicant also said the reuse will fill a major anchor vacancy at the town's largest commercial center and help preserve the plaza's tax base.

The board heard from the applicant's counsel and design team and reviewed proposed elevations and signage proportions before voting to grant the variances. Frank Marinelli, the attorney representing DICK'S, told the board the Nordstrom anchor closed earlier this year, leaving 150,000 square feet vacant and creating an economic hardship for the plaza. "Vacant space of that magnitude is never good for Braintree or for South Shore Plaza," Marinelli said. He and the design team described a 3‑floor layout with a central daylighting feature (the clerestory), a glass elevator and interactive in‑store elements such as climbing and batting features that the company markets for its House of Sport format.

The relief granted included permission for a clerestory and limited parapets that will bring small portions of the parapet to 78 feet, and larger wall signs than the town's Article 9 currently allows for principal wall signage. The applicant provided proportions showing the three primary wall signs would occupy roughly 2.5 to 2.8 percent of each large façade, and argued that, because the building sits far back from Granite Street and internal drives, larger signage is necessary for wayfinding and safety on the mall property.

Brian Basic, vice president for development at DICK'S Sporting Goods, said the clerestory is "one of the fundamental elements of the House of Sport" and that the opening through the floors and the glass elevator will produce natural light and improve the shopper experience. Marinelli described the work as a significant design upgrade from the current monolithic concrete façade to a mix of brick veneer, green metal panels and clear glass.

Residents asked about nighttime illumination and operations. Justine Huang, a nearby resident, asked whether the store lights would remain on overnight because some homes face the building. The applicant said, "The DICK'S lights will go off 1 hour after closing." Town staff also noted the zoning ordinance already prohibits sign illumination between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m., and the applicant confirmed store hours would be 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday–Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays; signs and interior lighting tied to store operations would not remain illuminated beyond one hour after closing.

Public speakers included labor and business supporters who said the project would bring jobs and investment; Pat Mulkerin, speaking as president of the Quincy Building Trade Unions, said the retailer hires with community standard wages and apprenticeship opportunities. The board acknowledged one letter submitted in favor that was posted to the record.

Member comments recognized the scale of the mall site and the long history of prior petitions for South Shore Plaza signage and height relief. After discussion, the board voted to grant the requested variances. The board's conditions and the formal decision will be filed and incorporated into the zoning decision record; the applicant may proceed to the building‑permit stage consistent with the decision and any conditions attached by the board.

Next steps: the applicant will apply for building permits and any site‑work permits required by the planning department and other town agencies. The board's decision will be posted in the municipal files and available through the town clerk.