Frank DePasquale, renowned restaurateur and head of Frank DePasquale Ventures, is embarking on an ambitious project to breathe new life into a long-abandoned block at 60 Cross Street in Boston’s North End.
After acquiring the site for $8 million last year, DePasquale has unveiled plans to create a vibrant gateway to the neighborhood, with a mix of dining, retail, and cultural experiences.
Reflecting on his decision to take on the project, DePasquale explained that while his family was initially hesitant, he felt a responsibility to act. “I cannot let this go to foreign hands,” he said.
The strip of storefronts, located between Hanover and Salem Streets, had been vacant for nearly a decade. “We’re trying to give it a great entrance to the North End of Boston, which is honestly the greatest inner-city Italian community probably in the country.”
Though plans are still unfolding, one cornerstone of the development will be a cozy café. “I contacted my friends in Italy who have a café and a coffee company,” DePasquale explained. “That will look great out there.”
The restaurant component, while still in its early stages, is expected to offer an intimate dining experience. “It’ll be a nice little place,” he hinted. The new eatery will complement DePasquale’s other Italian restaurants in the area, including Umbria, Assaggio, Quattro, and Trattoria Il Panino.
DePasquale’s vision for the block also includes a high-end jewelry store, a men’s boutique, and a culinary school in partnership with a renowned Italian culinary institution.
However, neighborhood concerns about obstructed views of the Greenway led DePasquale to revise the original design. Plans for the second floor were scrapped, resulting in a single-story structure with a glass roof deck to maintain an open and inviting atmosphere.
This transformation of 60 Cross Street marks a new chapter for Boston’s North End. Stay tuned for updates as DePasquale’s vision takes shape.
