An Emerging Vision for the Hawthorne - Preliminary Concept Revealed

A bold vision for the future of the Hawthorne restaurant property in downtown Swampscott is coming into focus. The property was purchased by the Town of Swampscott in December 2022. Tonight, Town of Swampscott staff and HDR, a world-class planning and design firm hired by the Town in 2023, released a report that proposes the construction of a new Swampscott Public Library on the Hawthorne site, together with large open spaces with expansive views.

Commencing with a community open house in early 2023 at the Hawthorne restaurant attended by over 400 residents, and in subsequent community meetings over the next year, including a resident survey, HDR and town staff worked toward a vision that incorporates community feedback. “The process brought forward many ideas from residents, but a few key goals were constant – (1) maintain the property for public enjoyment, (2) create a year-round destination, (3) maximize open space and access to waterfront views, and (4), if possible, find a way for the town to get revenue from the site,” said Pete Kane, Swampscott Assistant Town Administrator and Director of Planning.

To achieve these key goals, the new library building design, as suggested by HDR and Howeler + Yoon Architects, an award-winning Boston-based architect, uses landform architecture, a style that molds a building within a natural landscape. “Effectively done, landform building architecture makes a building part of its landscape, thereby allowing the building to enhance the open space and in this case for allowing for use in all seasons accessible to all,“ stated Nathalie Beauvais, a principal with HDR. “This effectively makes the property almost entirely public open space – creating dynamic spaces and iconic views of the Boston skyline.”

“There is no more public and multi-generational use than a library – especially a 21st century library,” said Sean Fitzgerald, Swampscott Town Administrator. “This is the beginning of a plan that is worthy of this amazing property.  This iconic property will be a gift for all future generations and will inspire the best of civic engagement and investments.”

The presentation by HDR and town staff includes the possibility of a library including a café along Humphrey Street, a catering kitchen, and a large reading room facing the ocean that could be converted at night and during weekends for public and private events, weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, and other celebrations.

“The revenue potential here is an important consideration and something we heard clearly throughout the process,” continued Pete Kane. “With the new hotel coming at the Hadley School across the street there are some obvious synergies and opportunities that can become a significant revenue generator for the Town.”

“What excites me most about this idea is that it will create a space that everyone will be able to enjoy while also maximizing open space,” said Select Board Member Katie Phelan, Vice-Chair of the Swampscott Select Board. “I look forward to seeing this idea evolve with even more community feedback.”

Town staff stressed throughout the presentation that this idea is just the next step in an ongoing community dialogue that will undoubtedly shape this idea and result in an even better outcome. The presentation stated that construction of the library would likely not start until 2028. “We cannot rush something so important as the future of this property.  Community discussions in the weeks, months, and even years to come will make this idea even better,” continued Sean Fitzgerald.

The full report, presentation file, and progress on this important project can be followed on the Town website.