'Fleet' lands on downtown's waterfront dining scene.

Byline: HOLLY HERRICK

When restaurateur Tradd Newton laid eyes on this once-deserted and boarded-up building at 186 Concord St. in 1988, he told his mother that he was "going to put something in it (one day)." Built in 1942 by the U.S. Navy as a debarkation point for sailors, it was vacant for years following World War II.

Newton's early vision has since become a reality. The 6,000-square-foot structure sits in a prime waterfront space downtown, and offers the bonus of free parking. What Newton "put in it" is a dandy restaurant.

The food is not spectacular, but it's generally good. The view, exceptionally cool architectural work of local architect Reggie Gibson, plenty of youthful energy, and a price point that is comfortable, all contribute to an enjoyable and cohesive dining experience.

Newton and his wife Weesie co-own Fleet Landing, and one of them is almost always …