The latest Wellesley, Mass., business news:
Longfellow Wellesley embarks on multimillion aquatics center project
Longfellow Wellesley Tennis & Health Club has announced plans for a multimillion dollar aquatics center project focused on the long dilapidated outdoor pool area leftover from Boston Sports Club days.
The demolition began earlier this month and the business is obtaining permits to begin construction on the center, which will be available to patrons for no extra cost, hopefully by sometime next summer.
Features will include a refinished six-lane lap pool with new diving board, a beach-entry pool with water slides, an upgraded smaller slide pool, a redesigned splash pad area, shade structures, a snack bar, and more.
News of the major renovation comes as Longfellow Wellesley celebrates its first anniversary this Saturday, Oct. 4, from 11am-4pm. The event will feature free classes and clinics, local food, a toast, and giveaways.
Know of Wellesley businesses opening or closing? Fill us in: theswellesleyreport@gmail.com
Jumbo Capital buys Taylor Block
Wellesley’s Taylor Block, consisting of 540-568 Washington St. at the intersection with Grove Street, has been purchased from the Sullivan family by Jumbo Capital. Jumbo’s Tom Powers made mention of this during Jumbo’s presentation to the Planning Board on Sept. 29 about redevelopment plans for 888 Worcester St. (see Wellesley Media recording about 36 minutes in). No price was detailed (we reached out to Powers regarding any further details on the deal).
Update—Oct. 16, 2025: The R.W. Holmes Commercial Q3 2025 Real Estate Report cites a price of $15.25m.
Brokerage firm Colliers had been shopping the property across from the Wellesley Square train station to developers. Businesses such as Old School Pizzeria, Rice Burg, and Comina are among the tenants on this stretch.
A Colliers brochure about the two- and three-story property promoted the town’s multifamily development rule changes in line with the MBTA Communities Act. The buildings currently host retail on the first floor, with some offices and apartments above. The brochure cited there being about 128,000 developable square feet of property.
According to a 2013 post on the Wellesley History blog, the block was constructed by Charles N. Taylor in 1904 to house the Wellesley National Bank that he led, as well as the Post Office that moved across the street to its current Grove Street location in 1964.
It remains to be seen what plans Jumbo has for this block.
Quincy-based Jumbo Capital, started by Wellesley’s Jay Hirsh, has been snapping up Wellesley commercial properties left and right, including former Haynes Management buildings, such as 40 Grove St. and a handful in Wellesley Hills, such as the Fraser Medical Building.
Chamber reveals Wellesley Night honorees
The Charles River Regional Chamber has announced that its Business Awards honorees for Wellesley Night on Oct. 15 (5:30-7pm) at Babson College will be:
- Captain Marden’s Seafoods
- Peter J. Mongeau, president, Wellesley Historical Society
- Sustainable Wellesley
Network with local business leaders and neighbors over apps, then hear a welcome from Babson College President Dr. Stephen Spinelli and be part of a celebration of the Wellesley Business Awards. Tickets are available online.
Expand your reach (and support local journalism) by advertising on Swellesley.
