Four Needham businesses will go before the Design Review Board on Monday, July 27, seeking approval for new signage and exterior changes at locations spanning Franklin Street, Chestnut Street, and Highland Avenue.
The hearing is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. via Zoom, covering three formal special permit applications and one additional applicant, according to a notice posted to the town calendar on July 22.
How to participate
Residents can join the Monday, July 27, hearing at 7:30 p.m. by visiting zoom.us, clicking "Join a Meeting," and entering Meeting ID 837 5422 1747. Copies of the 40 Franklin Street application materials are available by emailing [email protected].
40 Franklin Street: Onyx Partners and Pure Hockey
Onyx Partners and Pure Hockey, both moving into the renovated former You-Do-It Electronics Center at 40 Franklin Street, are seeking special permits under the town's Sign By-Law. The application includes the building's rooftop sign, which the Needham Historical Commission added to the town's historic inventory on June 15.
Doug Richardson, executive vice president of development at Onyx Partners, told the Needham Observer on July 8 that the company sees the sign as a landmark: "We really love the history of the You-Do-It building. To us, the You-Do-It sign is no different than the Citgo sign in Kenmore Square or the Schrafft's City Center in Charlestown at the old candy factory."
Richardson told the Needham Observer that Onyx expects to complete its renovation by the end of summer 2026. Pure Hockey will occupy the ground floor, relocating from its Highland Avenue location. Onyx will take the top two floors.
7 Chestnut Street: Chapters on Chestnut
Chapters on Chestnut, the independent bookstore planned for 7 Chestnut Street at the corner of Great Plain Avenue, is also seeking a sign permit. Owner Nicole Connolly expects to open the 2,000-square-foot shop in fall 2026. The space is the former 2Mix Interiors location.
Needham went without a bookstore from 2007 until The Book Shop of Needham opened in February 2026 at 283 Chestnut St.
875 Highland Avenue: Shell Gas Station
Carolyn Parker of Carolyn Parker Consulting is representing the Shell Gas Station at 875 Highland Avenue in an application for signage and exterior alterations. No further details about the proposed changes are included in the public notice.
What's next
The DRB notice distinguishes between the three "hearings" (Onyx Partners, Pure Hockey, and Chapters on Chestnut, which require formal special permits) and the Shell application, listed separately under "applicants." The board can approve, approve with conditions, disapprove, or continue a project for further study. Its next meeting after July 27 is Monday, August 17, at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom.
