Residents can now use the parking lot at the former Hawthorne-by-the-Sea restaurant, the town announced in its latest newsletter.
The vacant lot, previously reserved for restaurant customers, is now open for everyday parking following the Athanas family’s decision to close the restaurant in November.
“Feel free to park in the lot at any time,” the newsletter read.
Town Meeting Members voted at the beginning of December to allow the Select Board to continue leasing the former Hawthorne-by-the-Sea restaurant while discussions about the broader property plan move forward.
A Request for Proposal (RFP) is active, and it will close on Friday, January 16. After the RFP closes, a public bid review will be conducted, and — if needed — presentations will be held for the Select Board.
The new vendor is encouraged to operate the restaurant through June 30, 2027, according to the RFP.
Select Board Chair Katie Phelan emphasized that the short-term solution is not a replacement for long-term planning but is meant to “run tandem.” Vice Chair Doug Thompson said the board is “trying to put together the pieces” needed to build a coalition that will support the capital expenses required for the eventual redevelopment.
Town Administrator Nick Connors had said the additional time would help mitigate costs for utilities, insurance, and debt, and that no town capital would be expended.
At a Special Town Meeting in June 2022, voters approved purchasing several properties — including the Hawthorne parcel and the Archer Street project. The article authorized the Select Board to acquire 149–169 Humphrey Street by gift, purchase, or eminent domain for municipal use. It passed overwhelmingly, 214–3.
A community brainstorming session in January 2023 identified public space as the top priority, with residents favoring “park/open space/green space,” followed by multi-use areas. Open-space concepts drew the broadest support.
The Select Board formed the Hawthorne Re-use Advisory Committee in February 2025. Recent meetings reflected differing public viewpoints: some residents favored parkland, while others supported larger buildings to generate revenue.
Historically, from roughly 1900 until the Hawthorne-by-the-Sea was built in 1967, Humphrey Street featured a row of buildings.
At two community meetings, residents emphasized creating “a place to go,” prioritizing pedestrians, and addressing the short lifespans of businesses on Humphrey Street. Other ideas included community spaces for food courts, cafés, artisans, and events.
On November 19, the committee presented its preferred design, Plan G1, to the Select Board. The plan features two rows of buildings, totaling around 25,000 square feet if two stories, set perpendicular to the road with a 40-foot opening to maintain views into the courtyard and open-space area. The model includes roughly 28 parking spaces.
The advisory committee previously considered whether to retain the Hawthorne-by-the-Sea building. Chair Brian Watson said the group concluded that keeping the structure would not best support goals such as maximizing ocean views and generating revenue, and that public sentiment leaned against preservation.
The town is also considering purchasing the parking lot next to the Hawthorne property, owned by St. John’s Church. The Select Board recently held executive sessions regarding possible acquisition, lease, or valuation of parcels at 153 and 187 Humphrey Street.
“The additional time will also allow the town to continue negotiations with the Archdiocese of Boston for the possible purchase of a portion of the parking lot,” the Select Board wrote in a letter read. “This potential acquisition could unlock the full potential of the site, enabling a balanced plan that includes new public green space, appropriate parking and revenue-generating redevelopment.”
