The proposal is for a walkable neighborhood with a sense of community.

Developers have a huge vision for the empty Christmas Tree Shops/Bed Bath and Beyond on Durgin Lane. They want to build a neighborhood with more than 360 apartments on the 26-acre location of 100 Durgin Lane.

GoogleMaps

According to Seacoast Online, the managing director of Eastern Real Estate of Boston told the Planning Board that the projects development team has,

...extensive experience transforming underutilized retail properties, which may in many instances (mean) adding additional uses, or alternate uses. As an alternative to downtown Portsmouth, 100 Durgin Lane offers a unique, walkable lifestyle that is unmatched within the city of Portsmouth. The proximity to Pease supports the employment in Portsmouth and the continuing growth of the Portsmouth workforce.

City of Portsmouth

A recurring theme for the redevelopment of Durgin Lane was all about "connectivity" for the development and surrounding businesses. The area has Whole Foods, Home Depot, T.J. Maxx, banks, and restaurants. Close by is The Crossing, with Best Buy, Kohl's, and other stores. Plus, the Mall at Fox Run is close too.

It would be a mix of three and four-story buildings. The project would be spread out and not build high, because that would feel more like a neighborhood. There would be walking paths, and biking could be encouraged. The apartments would be a mix of studios and one and two-bedroom units.

Why spread out and not build high to get more apartments in?

City of Portsmouth

By spreading out the neighborhood, they can have a walkable street throughout with a green space in the middle. Plus, there would be smaller parks and courtyards and even a dog park. The project is very ambitious, with the potential for EV charging stations and solar features. You could leave your car behind.

Bonus! The traffic impact would be less than when you were heading there for the Christmas Tree Shops or Bed Bath and Beyond. This is just the first stage to see what developers have in mind, but it seems like a win-win for Portsmouth.