Council Approves Bold Redesign Of Former Pontiac Dealership Property

SMITHFIELD — A long-vacant property along East Market Street is set for redevelopment after the Smithfield Town Council voted unanimously Feb. 17 to approve a conditional rezoning request allowing construction of a three-story flex commercial building.

The 7–0 vote clears the way for the Grace Homemade Flex Commercial project, a mixed-use development planned for approximately 1.15 acres at 601 E. Market St., the site of a former Pontiac dealership that has sat largely unused for years.

Dalton Engineering & Associates submitted the application on behalf of property owner Grace Homemade Intl., LLC of Wendell.

Downtown-style design

Plans call for a 51-foot-tall building — exceeding the standard 40-foot height limit in the B-2 zoning district through an approved conditional zoning deviation — designed to mimic traditional downtown architecture. The 41,940 sf. ft building will feature minimal front setbacks along East Market Street with parking located behind the building.

Developers say the project is intended to support Smithfield’s long-term vision of expanding downtown activity east toward U.S. 301.

The proposed layout includes:

• Retail and flex commercial space on the first floor, including a brewery and small-scale manufacturing such as a bakery

• An upper-level restaurant operated by Grace Homemade featuring a full bar, tea room, and indoor and outdoor dining areas

• A third-floor event venue with a kitchen, ballroom, meeting spaces, and flexible configurations for gatherings and private events

Existing buildings on the property will be demolished, though a garage structure along Seventh Street will remain.

Parking deviation draws discussion

Parking requirements were among the primary issues discussed during the public hearing.

Under standard regulations, the development would typically require about 170 parking spaces. The approved plan provides 60 spaces, representing a deviation of roughly 110 spaces from town code.

Councilman John Dunn raised concerns about the scale of the reduction.

“It seems like a big deviation to me,” Dunn said during council discussion.

Developers said they hope to secure agreements for additional nearby parking to help meet future demand.

Consistency with town plans

Planning staff recommended approval, stating the project aligns with Smithfield’s Comprehensive Growth Management Plan by encouraging infill development, adaptive reuse, and active ground-floor commercial uses that support a vibrant downtown.

Town officials noted the redevelopment would remove a blighted property and contribute to ongoing revitalization efforts near downtown.

Next steps

Developers must now submit a detailed site plan addressing lighting, landscaping, grading, and stormwater requirements before construction can begin. A construction timeline has not yet been announced.