Development
Dot Block fills in a stretch of the Avenue

The first section of Dot Block on Dorchester Avenue. Photo: Mike Deehan/Axios
A sleepy stretch of Dorchester Avenue is about to get a lot more bustling after one of the neighborhood's largest new housing developments opens.
What's happening: Nearly 500 residential units across four buildings make up Dot Block, which welcomes its first residents June 14.
- Around half of the apartments come online this summer; the second phase of the complex is opening in the future.
- When completed, the project will cover over 400,000 square feet over nearly 4 acres with 1.3 acres of green space open to the public.
A new, bigger Trader Joe's is coming to Back Bay

Trader Joe's obtained a liquor license tied to 500 Boylston St., which has several retail spaces available to lease. Trader Joe's did not confirm it is leasing but said it is "exploring locations in the area." Photo: Steph Solis/Axios
The Boston Licensing Board unanimously approved a liquor license yesterday for Trader Joe’s in the Back Bay.
What’s happening: The license isn’t for the infamously tiny, underground Trader Joe’s, purported to be the world’s smallest, but for a 16,512-square-foot space at 500 Boylston St. four blocks away from the existing store.

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