Terrain proposal for former Whole Foods site draws Russell's pushback

WAYLAND — April 17, 2025 — Terrain pitch for vacant Wayland plaza splits committee and Russell's owner. Attorney Josh Fox told the Economic Development Committee on Thursday that URBN's Terrain brand would reuse the former Whole Foods and Coldwell Banker buildings at 297-311 Boston Post Road for a farm-to-table restaurant of about 4,500 square feet and 120 seats, a nearly 10,000-square-foot function room seating 175, and 6,500 square feet of high-end retail, heading to the Zoning Board of Appeals in May. Elizabeth Russell-Skehan, a fifth-generation owner of Russell's Garden Center, said URBN's 2025 10-K disclosed $4.6 million in abandonment charges on one store and $11.9 million across 17, warning "this location can run losses for years" while Russell's cannot. Members Jeff Vecchio and Katie Noble Harris said Wayland needs more destination businesses. Chair Rebecca Stanizzi confirmed Article 20's $250,000 Route 20 sidewalk study passed at Town Meeting.