Milton Village Market Opens in Bank; Developer Seeks Liquor License

Two Pence Market opened in late July inside a converted 1929 bank in Milton Village, introducing a mixed-use space that sells coffee, lunch, produce, and ice cream. The project represents a direct attempt to alter traffic patterns in the neighborhood, which has historically functioned as a cut-through for commuters avoiding Interstate 93.

JD Wild, a developer who owns buildings in the area, co-founded the venture with Dan Kerrigan, owner of Steel & Rye, and culinary director Brendan Joy. Wild purchased the 4,500-square-foot structure, formerly the Blue Hill Bank & Trust Company, in 2023. The team removed exterior fencing to create patios and a walk-up window, converting old check-cashing stations into checkout counters and the bank vault into a wine cellar.

The location sits at a crossroads between Milton and Dorchester over the Neponset River. Wild noted that the area is often bypassed by drivers who have no reason to stop. "It's very transactional. People try to avoid the area because it's so crowded with cars," Wild said. The market was designed to create foot traffic, encouraging visitors to stay rather than pass through.

Milton Village has undergone decades of planning without major commercial growth. A 2000 revitalization committee studied the area, and the town approved a mixed-use zoning overlay in 2020. Cheryl Tougias, an architect and member of the Milton Planning Board, stated that while the zoning passed, few changes have occurred since.

The town remains technically dry, with full liquor licenses requiring special legislative approval. The first restaurants with full licenses opened in 2009. Current businesses include Milton Village Hardware, which has operated since 1918, and Madre Osteria & Bar. Other properties in the district include a realty office, a drive-through bank, and a self-storage facility.

Wild is pursuing additional projects to support the market's launch. He secured a liquor license for a potential brewery and restaurant on the waterfront behind his Muscle & Flow fitness center. He is also working with residents to revitalize Wharf Park, using funding from the Community Preservation Act. Construction on the park, which will include ADA-compliant paths and a performance space, is scheduled to begin this fall.

Michael Roberts, a developer who owns the former Swift Hat Shop, has proposed multifamily housing for the 1790s-era building. He has faced opposition from residents who favor preserving the historic structure. Town officials are currently seeking to designate Milton Village as a historic district, a move that will influence future development decisions in the area.