Editor's Note: This story has been updated to reflect that the Dublin Town Center Project was funded by a group of local investors led by Rob Loughery and Steve Gilmore.
Dublin Town Center. What has happened there is called “adaptive redevelopment,” combining elements of old and new.
With bricks and mortar and careful planning, the process has turned a tiny 18th-century crossroads village into a bustling 21st- century marketplace-centered neighborhood with lots of room for community fun.
It has repurposed a 1930s gas station and an old garment factory into a bunch of thriving boutiques and eateries. Next up for completion will be the old Dublin Diner, once cherished by townspeople.
Dublin Borough, settled in 1762 and carved from parts of Bedminster and Hilltown townships a century and a half later, has come of age.
Old black and white photos hung prominently throughout the renovated buildings pay homage to the village’s past. They contrast dramatically with the gleaming newness of the buildings.
Dublin Town Center is a handsome cluster of shops, eateries, and health and wellness services just steps away from the surrounding 78 townhouses, 30 apartments and space for 38 businesses, all built by Nehemiah Development Company Inc.
Rob Loughery, Nehemiah’s president and former chairman of the Bucks County Board of Commissioners, was beaming with pride as he talked about the project’s creation. He said Dublin Borough had initially drawn up revitalization plans in 2014 and then turned to Nehemiah.
Loughery said, “We opened just weeks before COVID and we managed to get through that. This has definitely been a collaborative effort.”
The project was funded by a local group of investors led by Loughery and his partner Steve Gilmore. Nehemiah is a faith-driven company based on the Biblical story of Nehemiah, who restored the broken walls of Jerusalem.
Corinna Garis, Dublin Town Center’s marketing director, said, “We’ve been very careful to preserve the town’s history and integrity.” She showed pride in the town’s story as she pointed out that Dublin Square had been a garment factory with legions of seamstresses lined up at their sewing machines.
“They called it ‘the pants factory’ even though they sewed the famous Botany 500 suits for Darroff and Sons. They were sold all over the world,” Garis said.
Even though the town center was created for Dubliners to eat, work, shop, live and play, Garis said she hopes people from other towns will consider Dublin Town Center as a destination. “We have several spaces like The Boiler Room and The Station patio that can be rented for private functions. There are also several cozy locations the public is welcome to come, grab a drink and use our free Wi-Fi to work remotely,” she said.
Dublin Square now houses the following shops:
Pineapple on Main, a gift shop; Wildflower Valley, women’s apparel; The Novel Baker, a cake boutique; Makers, vintage and handmade craft items; Wheat & Vine Provisions Co., small batch specialty foods and snacks; Farm to Toast, a catering firm that also sells smoothies, salads and bowls; Manes on Main hair salon and The Boiler Room, a craft cocktail and wine bar, which features Crossing Vineyards wines.
The health and wellness area at the center houses Bucks County Arts and Dance Company, Curves, and Maximum Impact Karate. Grand View Hospital maintains a separate outpatient center.
The Offices at the Square offers premium office space for many small local businesses.
The Station, the renovated 1930s Dublin Service Station, now a food and drink venue, houses the following: Neshaminy Creek Brewing Co., a brew pub; Taqueria Tlaxcali, which serves traditional Mexican food; Nina’s Waffles & Ice Cream, offering small-batch ice cream and Goldie’s Grill, specializing in cheesesteaks, burgers, fries and funnel cake.
Dublin Town Center will hold a Stars and Stripes Celebration on Saturday, July 1, from 4 to 8 p.m. It will feature a patriotic parade for pets and people with sweet treats, kids zone and beer and wine for adults. Those wishing to register may do so at dublintc.com/stars-stripes.
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