Work Begins On Harwich Port's Last Vacant Parcel

HARWICH PORT – Construction has begun on the last vacant lot in the center of Harwich Port. 

 Main Street HP LLC is constructing a mixed-use development on the lot across Route 28 from Cumberland Farms that is expected to house a major restaurant, coffee shop, retail shops and five one-bedroom apartments on the second story.

Plans for the project have been in the works for several years. The planning board approved the mixed-use development in August 2022 and issued an extension for the project last summer. 

   “Yes, we’re proceeding with the development fully. We’re committed to getting it built,” said owner Dennis Miller.

A foundation will be dug this week and construction on the building will begin in May, according to Miller. He said the project will be completed and ready for occupancy by spring 2026.

When the mixed-use development was approved by the planning board, the project called for a 3,000-square-foot restaurant, an 850-square-foot coffee shop, two 1,000-square-foot retail shops and five one-bedroom apartments on the second floor. Miller said there could be some internal adjustments in restaurant and shop sizes, but nothing that would alter the conditions of the permit. 

Earlier plans to move forward with the project were delayed while he tried to locate an anchor restaurant for the building.

“I’m far enough along with a couple of people and very confident in going forward,” Miller said of interest expressed in the restaurant space. “There is a lot of demand for retail, people are very excited, so I’m very confident.”

Potential tenants want 400- to 600-square-foot shops or 1,500-square-foot shops, so it is likely some of the spaces may be reconfiguring, he said. There is very little retail space available in Harwich Port right now, according to Miller, who owns several properties in the village.  

 Miller said his project  and the redevelopment of his neighbor's building on the corner of Bank Street and Route 28 in which a clothing store is proposed are expanding the village to the east. It will tie in with the new Saquatucket Harbor to Bank Street sidewalk under construction, he added.

There will also be a lot of parking added with the two projects. Miller’s lot is about three-quarters of an acre, but he added two additional properties he owns at 571 and 569 Route 28 to the site plan to increase parking. In total there will be 56 parking spaces. Most of the parking will be located behind the new building.

There is a lot of interest in making improvements to infrastructure in Harwich Port, Miller said. A traffic study funded by the town made a number of recommendations for improving traffic and pedestrian safety. Sidewalk improvements, additional crosswalks, better highlighted crossings, and sidewalk lighting would be great additions to the village, he said.

“It’s an opportune time, with these activities,” Miller said. “I hope it converts into something. Dennisport did it. Harwich Port could be the quintessential seaside village on the Cape. I’m passionate about the village. It’s where I can do the most good.”