Beverly Depot Project Building Demolition Set For Next Week

BEVERLY, MA — Preparations are being made for the demolition of three buildings near the Beverly train station next week ahead of construction of the new Depot Square II apartment complex.

The six-story, 115-unit apartment building on Rantoul Street near the train station will include a combination of living and retail space but has been questioned by residents who said the rapid development of the city in recent years is only adding to soaring rents.

Some have also complained the city is too quick to replace historic buildings with private development. To make way for the new complex, the buildings at 136 Rantoul Street, 142 Rantoul Street and 9 Park will be demolished starting on Tuesday.

Those pushing the projects praised it as part of a downtown revitalization that has drawn additional businesses and restaurants, and will eventually add to the city's tax base.

Construction is expected to last another 18 months.

On Friday, jersey barriers were installed along Rantoul Street in front of the project and the construction fence was installed around the perimeter of the site on Saturday.

Pedestrians will be rerouted to a temporary protected walkway along Rantoul Street.

Beginning Thursday, reconstruction of the Pleasant Street sidewalk that runs next to the Depot Square Condos begins with building demolition to follow early next week.

Anyone with questions on the state of the project is advised to email Kristen@beverlycrossing.com.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)