Route 1 in North Attleborough Is Growing: Recent Business Openings and Future Development Plans in 2026

Route 1 has always been one of the most important commercial corridors in North Attleborough and the surrounding communities. Stretching through North Attleborough, Attleboro, and nearby towns, the area has historically attracted retailers, restaurants, hotels, and service businesses because of its strong visibility, regional customer base, and convenient access to Interstate 95.

While traditional retail has changed significantly over the past decade, Route 1 is entering a new phase of development. Several businesses have already opened, new services are arriving in the area, and town officials continue to encourage redevelopment that could reshape the corridor for years to come.

Quick Overview

What new businesses have opened on Route 1 near North Attleborough?

Recent additions include Ocean State Job Lot at Cumberland Crossing, Home2 Suites by Hilton on South Washington Street, and First Watch in Attleboro. Additional redevelopment projects remain in planning stages as the Route 1 corridor continues to evolve.

Ocean State Job Lot Opens at Cumberland Crossing

One of the most significant recent additions to Route 1 is Ocean State Job Lot, which opened at Cumberland Crossing in North Attleborough.

The retailer moved into the former Christmas Tree Shops location at 1505 South Washington Street, bringing a new discount shopping option to the area. The store officially opened in April 2025 after Ocean State Job Lot purchased Cumberland Crossing and announced plans to transform the vacant retail space.

The opening helped fill one of the larger retail vacancies along Route 1 and brought renewed activity to a shopping center that already includes businesses such as fitness, entertainment, and specialty retailers.

Home2 Suites Adds New Lodging Option

Another major addition to the Route 1 corridor is Home2 Suites by Hilton North Attleboro.

Located at 777 South Washington Street, the extended-stay hotel adds additional lodging capacity to the area and supports visitors traveling for business, regional events, and nearby attractions.

The project was identified by the Town of North Attleborough as a major hospitality investment, with a four-story building and 95 rooms designed to support business travel and regional visitors.

The arrival of a national hotel brand reflects continued confidence in the long-term strength of the Route 1 market.

First Watch Brings New Dining Option to Attleboro

Breakfast and brunch options along Route 1 have expanded with the opening of First Watch in neighboring Attleboro.

The restaurant has become a new destination for residents looking for breakfast, brunch, and lunch options without traveling farther into the region. Its arrival adds another national dining brand to the Route 1 corridor and reflects the continued demand for food and hospitality businesses in the area.

The opening also fits a broader trend along Route 1, where restaurants and service-based businesses are becoming increasingly important parts of the commercial landscape.

Route 1 Development Is Moving Beyond Traditional Retail

The future of Route 1 is not expected to look like the shopping corridors of previous decades.

Across the country, aging retail areas are being redesigned into mixed-use destinations that combine:

• Restaurants

• Retail stores

• Hotels

• Medical services

• Professional offices

• Entertainment

• Residential development

North Attleborough has taken steps toward encouraging this type of growth by creating Multi-Use Overlay Districts along areas including Route 1 North, Route 1 South, and the Emerald Square Mall area. These zoning changes allow greater flexibility for future projects involving commercial, residential, medical, technology, and restaurant uses.

What Future Projects Could Change Route 1?

While several businesses have already opened, additional redevelopment opportunities remain under consideration.

Potential future projects and areas of interest include:

• Redevelopment of underused commercial properties

• Additional restaurant and retail opportunities

• Mixed-use development near Emerald Square Mall

• New service businesses

• Potential office and residential components

Some proposed developments are still in the planning or approval process and should not be considered confirmed openings until construction and permitting are finalized.

How These Changes Affect Local Residents

Continued investment along Route 1 provides several potential benefits for North Attleborough and surrounding communities.

New businesses can create jobs, increase shopping and dining options, support local tax revenue, and help replace vacant commercial spaces with active businesses.

The growth of the corridor also complements the ongoing discussion surrounding the future of Emerald Square Mall. As the region moves away from traditional enclosed mall development, Route 1 has the opportunity to become a more diverse commercial district serving both residents and visitors.

The Future of Route 1 in North Attleborough

Route 1 is currently in a period of transition.

The opening of new businesses such as Ocean State Job Lot, Home2 Suites, and First Watch shows that companies continue to see value in the area. At the same time, new zoning initiatives and redevelopment discussions create opportunities for additional investment in the years ahead.

While the transformation will happen gradually, the continued growth along Route 1 suggests that the corridor will remain one of the most important economic areas in North Attleborough and the surrounding communities.