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Planning board approves minor modification to allow Dick's House of Sport at South Shore Plaza
Summary
The Braintree Planning Board approved a minor site modification to convert the former Nordstrom space at South Shore Plaza into a Dick's House of Sport, authorizing a 1,770 sq ft perimeter change for new facades and noting that separate zoning relief for height and signage will be handled by the Zoning Board.
The Town of Braintree Planning Board on Oct. 14 approved a minor modification request to allow Dick's House of Sport to occupy the former Nordstrom space at South Shore Plaza. Attorney Frank Marinelli and project representatives described the proposal as a single‑user retail reuse with a modest 1,770 square‑foot increase at the building perimeter to accommodate new facades and a large clerestory daylighting feature.
Marinelli called it “an extraordinary opportunity for our town to have Dick's House of Sport occupy the former Nordstrom space at South Shore Plaza,” and said the company will invest in an extensive interior and rooftop clerestory associated with a multi‑million‑dollar fit‑out. The applicant estimated a major construction investment to add daylight and programming across multiple floors and described in‑store amenities such as golf simulators, batting cages and climbing walls used in other House of Sport locations.
Planning staff and the applicant agreed the change to ground coverage was de minimis and could be processed as a minor modification under the South Shore Plaza decision. Marinelli told the board the project will seek separate relief from the Zoning Board for height parapets and signage, which the planning board does not review. The applicant offered a tentative opening timeline in 2026, with 2027 as a backstop.
Board members asked for confirmation that sidewalks and curb lines would not be altered; the applicant and staff said walkways would remain unchanged and the additional impervious area would be distributed in small increments around three elevations. Member Connolly moved to approve the minor modification and member Kent seconded. The board voted in favor.
The Zoning Board will handle any height or signage variances; the planning board approval covers the site‑plan modification only. The applicant did not present a final construction schedule; staff indicated those details will follow through building permits and zoning board filings.
