Nicolo's Bakery Expansion: New Mixed-Use Buildings Proposed on Baldwin Street in Montclair

A proposal to redevelop the site of Nicolo's Bakery & Deli at 6-12 Baldwin Street in Montclair was heard by the Historic Preservation Commission on July 16, 2026. The plan calls for two new mixed-use buildings that would keep the beloved bakery on site while adding residential units above — a project that could reshape a small but significant corner of Montclair's historic district.

If you've ever grabbed a sandwich or pastries from Nicolo's, you know it's been a Baldwin Street fixture for years. This proposal aims to give it a modern home while adding density to a walkable neighborhood near downtown.

What's being proposed?

The application, presented to the Historic Preservation Commission, involves two phases:

Phase 1: Demolish the two-family dwelling at 12 Baldwin Street and construct a new mixed-use building in its place.
Phase 2: Demolish the existing bakery building at 6 Baldwin Street and construct a new mixed-use building that would include an expanded first-floor bakery and nine residential units above.

The plan keeps Nicolo's Bakery as an active ground-floor tenant — a key point for the many residents who value having a neighborhood bakery within walking distance. The new residential units would add density to Baldwin Street, bringing more foot traffic to a corridor that connects downtown Montclair to nearby residential neighborhoods.

Why this matters for the historic district

Baldwin Street sits within Montclair's historic district, which means any development proposal goes through the Historic Preservation Commission — not just the regular Planning Board or Zoning Board. The commission evaluates whether proposed changes are compatible with the historic character of the neighborhood.

This is a tension that comes up often in Montclair: how do you balance the need for new housing and updated commercial spaces with the desire to preserve the historic architecture and streetscape that make the town special? The Baldwin Street proposal will test that question.

The hearing on July 16 was the first step. If the commission finds the project compatible with the historic district, it would then need additional approvals from the Planning Board before construction could move forward.

What this means for the neighborhood

For residents of the Baldwin Street area and the surrounding neighborhood, this project brings both opportunities and questions:

Preserving a local institution. Nicolo's Bakery has been a gathering place for years. The proposal explicitly keeps the bakery on site with expanded space, which should reassure anyone who worried about losing it.
Adding housing in a walkable location. Nine new residential units on Baldwin Street means more people living within walking distance of downtown Montclair's shops, restaurants, and transit. That's exactly the kind of density that supports local businesses and reduces car dependency.
New construction in a historic district. The design and scale of the new buildings will be critical. The Historic Preservation Commission will evaluate whether the materials, massing, and architectural details are appropriate for the district. This is the part worth paying attention to.
Construction disruption. Demolition and construction on a narrow street like Baldwin will temporarily affect parking, traffic, and noise levels. That's a short-term trade-off for a long-term improvement.

What this means for buyers and homeowners

If you own a home in the Baldwin Street area or elsewhere in Montclair, this project is a microcosm of the development conversations happening across town. The tension between preserving historic character and adding housing is real, and the decisions made on projects like this one set precedents for future development.

For buyers, a project that preserves a beloved local business while adding new housing is generally a positive signal. It shows that the community is finding ways to grow thoughtfully — not blocking all development, but also not greenlighting every proposal regardless of character.

Baldwin Street is already a convenient location — close to downtown, transit, and parks. Adding more housing here, while keeping a popular business in place, strengthens the neighborhood's appeal.

What's next

The Historic Preservation Commission hearing on July 16 was the first public step. If the project advances, it will go before the Planning Board for additional review, including site plan approval. I'll follow this one closely and report back as it moves through the approval process.

If you have questions about how this project — or any development in Montclair — could affect a property you own or are looking at, I'm happy to talk through it.