The Montclair Girl Team 
Montclair’s iconic Italian bakery, Nicolo’s, could get a brand new look. The Montclair Historic Preservation Commission will hear an application at its July 16th meeting to change things up on Baldwin Street. Nicolo’s is currently located at 6 Baldwin Street, on the ground floor of a three-story building that was built in 1930. The proposed changes would see 6 Baldwin Street and the neighboring building at 12 Baldwin Street demolished, and a new mixed-use development built in their place. Read on for more about Nicolo’s and what its future in Montclair could look like.
Rendering via Studio 2G Architects via submission materials
About Nicolo’s
Nicolo’s Italian Bakery and Deli in Montclair was established by its namesake, Nicolo Zecchino, in 1967 and is still family-owned and operated to this day. Hence, the spot’s slogan: “family is our secret ingredient.” Customers expect the same amazing quality of freshly-baked bread at Nicolo’s today that the deli and bakery have had every day since the shop opened. The family has kept the same baking principles that were first implemented in the business back in the ‘60s, and the loyalty proves that the owners are still staying true to these skills.
When customers walk into this neighborhood spot, they’re greeted with the familiar warmth of a business that’s served locals for years and has a mutual love and respect for its customers and what they do. It’s hustling + bustling, and customers need to know what they want — because the pace of ordering is quick.
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Nicolo’s bakes fresh Italian bread daily for both its retail and wholesale customers. The team doesn’t stop there, though. Nicolo’s is a go-to spot for lunch and dinner platters, catering, pizza, deli sandwiches and salads, and Italian specialties, including pasta sauces and dishes.
This spot also sells to various businesses in Montclair, including Leone’s, Dan and Day’s, Mr Dino’s, Egan’s, Belgiovine’s, Laboratorio Kitchen, Grove Deli, Just Jakes, Panzano, Raymond’s, and Ray’s Luncheonette. The spot specializes in traditional Italian and Semolina bread that is hearth-baked and made fresh daily. For generations, Nicolo’s has worked to perfect its standards of bread-making, and it is evident from the second you break open a loaf.
Proposed Changes
The lot, referred to as 6-12 Baldwin Street, includes the building that houses Nicolo’s; a freestanding single-family home at 12 Baldwin Street; a one-story commercial building behind the bakery; a concrete garage behind the home; and a paved driveway and parking areas affiliated with both buildings.
The lots are located in the Pine Street Historic District of Montclair. The district is notable for its dense, mixed-use development, often mixing architectural styles. The most active time for construction in this area was from 1880 to 1937. Both 6 and 12 Baldwin Street were constructed during this time period.
Rendering via Studio 2G Architects via submission materials
According to materials submitted to the Historical Preservation Commission, the goal of the development is two new mixed-use buildings, with the work occurring in stages. The applicant is listed as MDZ Management. The first stage would be the demolition of the two-family dwelling at 12 Baldwin Street and the construction of a new, three-story, nine-unit residential building. The second phase would be the demolition of 6 Baldwin Street, which would become a new, mixed-use building on the corner of Baldwin Street and Glenridge Avenue. This building would have Nicolo’s on the ground floor, plus nine residential units above. Any housing or mixed-use development in Montclair with five or more dwelling units is subject to an affordable housing set-aside of 20% of the units. This project would have at least three units of affordable housing.
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Per the application materials, “the new buildings are designed with masonry construction and architectural elements intended to reference the historic character of the Pine Street Historic District.”
Looking Ahead
A report shared by Steven Smolyn, AIA, of Architectural Heritage Consultants LLC, evaluated the application, in particular the demolition proposals, compared to the historical significance of the buildings. The conclusion was that the property at 12 Baldwin Street should be preserved based on its design and exterior, which contributes to the Pine Street Historic District. The report suggested finding ways to modify the plan so that the historical elements of the building are preserved.
The building at 6 Baldwin Street has been modified significantly enough over time so that preservation is not necessary, per the report. The Montclair Girl has reached out to Architectural Heritage Consultants for more information and will update this piece when we hear back.
Donato Joseph “DJ” Zecchino, owner of Nicolo’s, shared the following statement with The Montclair Girl. “Nicolo’s Bakery is a tenant of the property at 6-12 Baldwin Street. Nicolo’s Bakery is not seeking an expansion or redevelopment and opposes said plans completely. We want to stay here and be a part of this community as we have been for the last 59 years. The application before the Historical Preservation Commission falsely states that Nicolo’s Bakery supports this, which is untrue. Nicolo’s Bakery vehemently opposes this. For anyone who wants to know more about this please attend or tune in to the hearing which will be held at 205 Claremont Avenue in Montclair, the Montclair Municipal building tomorrow, Thursday July 16 at 7:30PM. Come and attend to show support for the bakery or listen online.”
He clarified that the bakery is a separate entity from the building, which is owned by MDZ Management. MDZ Management is listed as the applicant on the materials for the work.
The Montclair Historical Preservation Commission meeting will take place on Thursday, July 16th at 7:30PM at the Municipal Building, located at 205 Claremont Avenue, and will be livestreamed.
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