Century-Old Nicolo's Bakery Plans Expansion with New Mixed-Use Buildings on Baldwin Street

Nicolo's Italian Bakery and Deli, a Montclair institution operating for more than 50 years, is proposing a two-phase expansion on Baldwin Street that would add 12 new residential units while preserving and growing the beloved local business. The plan was reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission on July 16.

What is being proposed?

The project involves two phases of demolition and new construction on Baldwin Street, within the Pine Street Historic District:

Phase 1: Demolition of the existing two-family dwelling at 12 Baldwin Street and construction of a new three-story residential building with three dwelling units.
Phase 2: Demolition of the current bakery building at 6 Baldwin Street (at the corner of Baldwin Street and Glenridge Avenue) and construction of a new mixed-use building featuring an expanded Nicolo's bakery on the ground floor with nine residential units above.

Renderings for the project were produced by Studio G2. The site currently includes the bakery building, a single-family home at 12 Baldwin Street, a one-story commercial structure, a garage, and associated parking.

Why this matters

This proposal is significant for several reasons. First, Nicolo's has been part of Montclair's fabric for generations. The business took over from D'Allesandro's around 1967 and has been a fixture on Baldwin Street ever since, serving fresh bread, pastries, Italian specialties, and deli sandwiches to loyal customers. Seeing a century-old local business invest in expansion rather than closing is a positive signal for the neighborhood.

Second, the project would add 12 new housing units in a historic district, which is a relatively rare type of development. New housing in walkable, transit-accessible neighborhoods like the Pine Street Historic District helps address the region's housing shortage while preserving the character that makes Montclair desirable.

Third, the mixed-use model means more ground-floor commercial space for an expanded bakery, keeping the street-level activation that makes neighborhoods vibrant and walkable.

What's next for the proposal

The application, designated as HPC Application 2026-14, was heard by the Montclair Historic Preservation Commission on July 16. The Historic Preservation Commission's role is to review the project's impact on the historic character of the Pine Street Historic District and to ensure that the design is compatible with the surrounding neighborhood.

The proposal will need to navigate additional approvals beyond the HPC, including Planning Board review. Community members who want to weigh in on the project can attend future public meetings or submit comments to the township.

What this means for homeowners and buyers

For homeowners near Baldwin Street and Glenridge Avenue, this project could bring positive changes to the neighborhood:

New housing stock. Twelve new residential units in a historic district add to the housing supply without large-scale development.
Preserved local business. An expanded Nicolo's means the bakery and deli will continue serving the community for years to come.
Property values. Mixed-use developments with well-regarded ground-floor retail and new housing can have a positive effect on nearby property values by improving the neighborhood's amenities and visual appeal.
Construction impact. During the demolition and construction phases, neighbors can expect some disruption, but the two-phase approach may help manage the impact.

The bottom line

Nicolo's Bakery's expansion proposal is the kind of development that fits Montclair's character: it preserves a beloved local institution, adds housing in a walkable neighborhood, and respects the historic district's design standards. For anyone who lives near Baldwin Street or has a soft spot for Nicolo's bread and pastries, this is a story worth watching.

If you have questions about what this development might mean for a property you own or are considering in Montclair, I'm always happy to talk through the details. No pressure, just straightforward local insight.