Building 1300, located at 1300 Via Toscana in Salem, New Hampshire, stands as the architectural centerpiece of the ambitious Tuscan Village master-planned community. This six-story, mixed-use development represents a pivot in how New England approaches the "live, work, play" philosophy. By integrating nearly 300 luxury residential units with a massive retail anchor—the flagship Whole Foods Market—Building 1300 has redefined the urban-suburban hybrid model in a state traditionally known for its sprawling residential layouts.

Essential Facts About Building 1300 at Tuscan Village

To understand the scale of this project, it is necessary to look at the specific parameters that define its footprint within the 170-acre transformation of the former Rockingham Park racetrack:

  • Location: 1300 Via Toscana, Salem, NH 03079.
  • Total Area: Approximately 450,000 to 480,000 gross square feet.
  • Residential Units: 299 luxury, Class-A apartments.
  • Retail Space: Over 70,000 square feet of street-level commercial space.
  • Primary Anchor: Whole Foods Market.
  • Construction Type: 5-over-1 (Five stories of wood-framed residential over a one-story composite steel and concrete podium).
  • Key Partners: Developed by Tuscan Brands (Joe Faro); Architecture by Market Square Architects; Construction by Callahan Construction Managers; Structural Engineering by H+O Structural Engineering.

From Racetrack to Lifestyle Hub: The Vision Behind Building 1300

The site of Building 1300 was once the legendary Rockingham Park, a horse racing landmark that saw its prime in the mid-20th century. When Joe Faro and Tuscan Brands acquired the land, the goal was not merely to build a shopping mall or an apartment complex, but to create a "New Urbanist" destination. Building 1300 is the physical manifestation of the project’s most dense and interactive phase.

In the broader context of Tuscan Village, Building 1300 acts as the urban core. While other phases of the village include single-family townhomes and standalone retail pavilions, Building 1300 introduces high-density luxury living that New Hampshire has rarely seen outside of its major city centers. The development capitalizes on Salem's unique position—sitting directly on the Massachusetts border and offering tax-free shopping, making it a magnet for both residents and high-end retailers.

The Engineering Marvel of the 5-over-1 Podium Design

One of the most technically interesting aspects of Building 1300 is its structural composition. To achieve the required density while maintaining cost-efficiency and meeting modern building codes, the team utilized a "5-over-1" construction methodology.

Understanding the Steel Podium

The ground floor, which houses the Whole Foods Market and other retail suites, is constructed using a composite steel and concrete podium. This was a strategic choice by H+O Structural Engineering and Market Square Architects. Unlike traditional all-wood or all-steel buildings, the steel podium allows for the massive, open-span floor plates required by a modern supermarket. Whole Foods needs wide aisles, high ceilings, and minimal columns to facilitate shopping flow and refrigerated shelving logistics.

Wood-Framed Residential Levels

Above the heavy-duty steel base sit five levels of wood-framed residential units. This type of construction, often referred to as "Type III" or "Type V" over a "Type I" podium, has become the gold standard for luxury mixed-use developments across North America. It allows for a high level of interior finish and diverse unit layouts while keeping the overall structural weight manageable. In Building 1300, this transition between steel and wood is seamless, providing residents with the soundproofing and stability expected of a Class-A building.

The Subgrade Challenge

Managing parking for nearly 300 apartments and thousands of daily shoppers was another engineering hurdle. Building 1300 incorporates a partially subgrade parking garage. This design choice was critical for preserving the "walkable" feel of Tuscan Village. By tucking a significant portion of the parking underground and behind the retail facade, the developers ensured that Main Street remains focused on pedestrians rather than asphalt parking lots.

Inside the Residential Experience: 299 Luxury Units

The apartments within Building 1300 are categorized as Class-A, a designation reserved for the highest quality buildings in their market. Based on the interior specifications common to this level of development, the residential experience at 1300 Via Toscana is designed to rival high-end condos in Boston’s Seaport or Back Bay.

Layouts and Finishes

The units range from studios to multi-bedroom apartments, catering to a diverse demographic—from young professionals commuting to the 128/95 tech corridor to "empty nesters" looking to downsize without sacrificing luxury. Residents can expect:

  • Open-Concept Kitchens: Featuring quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and custom cabinetry.
  • Industrial-Chic Design: Large windows that provide ample natural light and views of the bustling village below.
  • Smart Home Integration: Modern climate control and security systems that align with the expectations of the 21st-century renter.

The Communal Amenities

The true value proposition of Building 1300 lies beyond the individual apartment walls. The developers have curated a suite of amenities that encourage social interaction and wellness:

  • Roster Gym: A high-end fitness center located on the upper levels, offering panoramic views of the Tuscan Village campus.
  • The Wine Bar and Lounge: A sophisticated social space for residents to host guests or interact with neighbors.
  • Outdoor Patios: Elevated courtyards that provide a private sanctuary away from the public street-level retail, featuring fire pits, outdoor kitchens, and lounge seating.

The Retail Powerhouse: Whole Foods and Beyond

The ground floor of Building 1300 is anchored by a flagship Whole Foods Market, which serves as a massive draw for the entire region. The presence of Whole Foods is often referred to in real estate circles as the "Whole Foods Effect"—a phenomenon where the arrival of the high-end grocer significantly boosts the property value and desirability of the surrounding area.

Why Whole Foods Chose Building 1300

For Whole Foods, Building 1300 offered the perfect intersection of high-income demographics and strategic location. The store is designed to be more than just a place to buy groceries; it features prepared food sections, indoor and outdoor seating, and a focus on local New England products. This aligns perfectly with the "Tuscan" brand’s emphasis on artisanal food and quality.

Additional Retail Synergy

Beyond the grocery anchor, Building 1300 includes approximately 10,000 to 15,000 square feet of additional retail space. These slots are designed for boutique shops, fitness studios, and service-oriented businesses that complement the lifestyle of the residents above. The integration is so tight that a resident can take an elevator from their living room, grab a coffee, do their weekly grocery shopping, and hit the gym without ever needing their car keys.

Walkability and the "New Urbanist" Framework in Salem

Salem, NH, has historically been a car-dependent town characterized by strip malls along Route 28. Building 1300 is a radical departure from this history. It is the cornerstone of a walkable urban streetscape.

The Main Street Experience

The architecture of Building 1300 uses varying facades and setbacks to mimic the look of a traditional downtown that grew organically over time, rather than a single massive block. This "human-scale" design makes the 450,000-square-foot building feel approachable. Wide sidewalks, outdoor dining areas, and professional landscaping invite pedestrians to linger.

Connectivity to Interstate 93

Despite its focus on walkability, Building 1300 remains incredibly accessible for commuters. Located just off Exit 2 on I-93, it provides a direct line to Boston (approximately 35 miles south) and Manchester (20 miles north). This makes it a strategic location for professionals who work in the city but want to enjoy the tax advantages and lifestyle of New Hampshire.

Economic and Social Impact on the Region

The completion of Building 1300 has had a profound impact on the local economy. Beyond the hundreds of permanent jobs created within the retail and property management sectors, the building serves as a significant tax revenue generator for the Town of Salem.

A New Tax Base

By converting a defunct racetrack into a high-value mixed-use asset, Tuscan Village has significantly expanded the local tax base. Building 1300, with its high density and luxury price points, contributes a disproportionate share of this value compared to traditional residential developments.

Attracting Talent

As companies in the Massachusetts and New Hampshire tech sectors compete for talent, housing options like Building 1300 become a recruitment tool. Modern workers increasingly prioritize "amenity-rich" living environments. Having a luxury apartment situated above a Whole Foods, within walking distance of restaurants and parks, is a major draw for the "creative class."

Structural Engineering and Construction Excellence

The success of Building 1300 is a testament to the collaboration between Callahan Construction Managers and H+O Structural Engineering. Building a structure of this complexity requires precision, especially when coordinating the massive mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) requirements of a supermarket with the domestic needs of nearly 300 homes.

In our analysis of the structural reports, the use of a "composite steel podium" was the key to unlocking the project's potential. This allowed for thinner floor slabs and higher ceilings in the retail space, creating an airy, premium feel that a traditional concrete or wood structure could not have achieved at this scale.

Summary of the Building 1300 Lifestyle

Building 1300 at Tuscan Village is more than just a residential or commercial project; it is a blueprint for the future of New England real estate. By blending the convenience of a modern urban center with the ease of suburban New Hampshire, it offers a unique value proposition:

  1. Convenience: Direct access to a premier grocer and high-end retail.
  2. Quality: Class-A construction and luxury finishes.
  3. Community: A social ecosystem built around shared amenities and walkable spaces.
  4. Strategic Location: Proximity to major transit arteries and the Massachusetts border.

As the Tuscan Village project continues to evolve, Building 1300 will remain its beating heart, serving as the primary example of how thoughtful architecture and strategic mixed-use planning can revitalize a community.

Frequently Asked Questions about Building 1300

What is the exact address of Building 1300?

Building 1300 is located at 1300 Via Toscana, Salem, NH 03079, within the Tuscan Village development.

How many apartments are in Building 1300?

The building features 299 luxury residential units, ranging from studios to multi-bedroom layouts.

Is the Whole Foods Market open in Building 1300?

Yes, the Whole Foods Market serves as the primary retail anchor on the ground floor of Building 1300 and is a central feature of the Tuscan Village shopping experience.

Who is the developer of Building 1300?

The project was developed by Tuscan Brands, led by entrepreneur Joe Faro, as part of the massive 170-acre master plan for Tuscan Village.

What kind of amenities does Building 1300 offer?

Residents have access to a rooftop gym, a private wine bar, communal lounges, and outdoor patios with fire pits, all situated above the ground-floor retail shops.

How does the 5-over-1 construction work?

Building 1300 uses a one-story steel and concrete podium for the retail base, which supports five stories of wood-framed residential apartments above. This allows for open retail spaces and efficient residential density.