Design Review Board approves façade changes for 1037 Great Plain Ave., requires charcoal-gray paint

The Needham Design Review Board on Nov. 3 approved façade alterations for a proposed new restaurant at 1037 Great Plain Avenue, with a condition that the applicant substitute charcoal gray for the proposed black exterior paint.

George Junto Jr., attorney for applicant Bohemian LLC, told the board the proposal would convert the former Rice Barn space into a Mediterranean small-plates restaurant operated by co‑owner Stuart Henry and managed by applicant Bohemian LLC. Junto said the tenant space totals about 2,867 square feet on the first floor with roughly 2,826 square feet in the basement and that the interior seating plan proposes 110 seats. Architect Steven Souza of Souza Design Architects described moving the primary entry to the right side of the storefront, installing an operable sliding storefront system, bifolding doors at a rear dining room, infilling a window on the railroad side, and adding new restroom fixtures to accommodate seasonal seating.

Board members raised concerns about the proposed all‑black paint on a long railside wall and about exterior lighting. Several members said a lighter charcoal gray would better fit the streetscape and reduce the visual impact of the railroad-facing wall; the board added that change as a condition of approval. Members also noted signage will require a separate submission; the chair and staff reminded the applicant to consult the sign bylaw and the building inspector for permitting thresholds. Applicants said they will return with a dedicated signage package.

Motion and vote: The board took a roll-call vote and approved the façade alterations with the condition that the proposed black paint be changed to charcoal gray. Roll call recorded the following votes as read aloud during the meeting: Steve — yes; Susan — yes; Harrell — yes; Felix — yes; Chair (Mark Losing) — yes. The motion’s mover and seconder were recorded on the meeting audio but not identified by full name on the public transcript summary.

Next steps: The board will forward its approval and comments to the Planning Board as part of the pending major project site plan review; the applicant will submit a separate signage package and coordinate required permits with the Building Department and Planning staff.