Diner Moving Full Steam Ahead With Plans For Framingham Train Station

It's been a long ride but downtown Framingham could see The Deluxe Depot Diner opening in the historic H.H. Richardson Train Station on Route 135 in the spring of 2014.

Tuesday, the H. H. Richardson Train Station at 417 Waverley Street was sold by the Greenburg Family Trust to Historic Properties Development LLC. 

The sale means the development group, lead by Don and Daryl Levy, can now move forward with their plans to open The Deluxe Depot Diner in the former train station building.

After successfully opening two diners in Newton and Watertown, Levy is expected to open in downtown Framingham in the Spring of 2014. 

The Phantom Gourmet said Levy turned an old train station depot into one of the "coolest" restaurants in Newton. And Framingham leaders are hoping the diner can be a spark to improving downtown and making it a destination spot.

“It will be a wonderful gathering place, for friends and families alike," said Framingham Selectmen Chair Dennis Giombetti. "This is a part of our larger vision for Downtown Framingham.”  

Katherine Wellington of Investment Property Specialists (IPS) represented the Greenburg Family and was the sole broker in the sale.

Framingham Town Manager Bob Halpin told Framingham Selectmen Wednesday night the Town of Framingham will get $136,000 in back taxes and interest owed on the property and once operating the new establishment could bring in $25,000 to $30,000 in taxes annually.

"We are excited that this transaction has gone forward," said Halpin. "It will be a tremendous amenity in Downtown Framingham and it is the beginning of many good things to come.”   

Wellington said she wanted to thank the Framingham Board of Selectmen and Selectmen Chair Giombetti, Town Manager Halpin, State Rep. Chris Walsh, Metrowest Chamber President Bonnie Biocchi, as well as the Framingham Historic Commission for their support of the project.

"The conversion of the historic depot into a top of the line diner is the culmination of a lot of hard work and a great vision for downtown Framingham," said State Rep. Chris Walsh, who also is an architect. "I am excited to be here to witness the re-energizing of this beautiful building and our important central business district.”

The station was originally designed by renowned American architect H.H. Richardson.  

Levy will continue to maintain the historic element of the building, as he did in his Newton diner, another Richardson creation. The Framingham diner will preserve the high-vaulted ceilings and beautiful working fireplace. 

Voted "Best of Boston" and with glowing reviews by the Phantom Gourmet, Levy's Newton diner has a great feel on the inside reminiscent of a rustic modern train station with fantastic decor.  

In Framingham, the new Deluxe Depot Diner will be a great venue for breakfast/ brunch all day and will offer an extensive lunch and dinner menu. Thirsty palates can be quenched with a unique selection of craft beers and vintage cocktails at the bar inside.  

Framingham Patch first reported back in March 2013, that after successfully opening two diners in Newton and Watertown, restaurateur Levy wanted to turn downtown Framingham's empty train depot into his third restaurant.

Next step for the planned downtown restaurant is to come before Framingham Selectmen for licenses, including a liquor license, said Halpin.