Work at Vinnin Square is officially in progress, with fences and construction lifts scattered throughout the parking lot. The project is “long overdue,” said Sarah Klaman, an associate with Centercorp Retail Properties.
Originally built in 1973 and reconstructed in 1991, the mall area is now undergoing major redevelopment following zoning changes approved at Swampscott’s Town Meeting in May 2023. The changes apply to the section between Essex Street and Paradise Road, commonly known as the Swampscott Mall, and aim to support mixed-use development that will “strengthen the town’s commercial tax base,” according to the town’s website.
Andrew Rose, a principal at Centercorp and the property’s owner, previously cited the MBTA Communities Act, signed by former Governor Charlie Baker in 2021, as the driving force behind the redevelopment. The act encourages multifamily housing near transit-accessible areas.
In August 2023, more than 200 residents gave input to shape the vision for Vinnin Square. Top community priorities included improved circulation (32%), landscaping (21%), architecture (14%), sustainability and affordability (14%), and overall site planning (13%).
“We wanted to give it a fresh modern vibe to make it feel like a fresh, modern plaza,” Klaman said. “This project is long overdue. It’s a great property.”
According to Klaman, Centercorp aims to “reframe what already exists.” Storefronts are getting a facelift, and the reworked façade is expected to be complete by spring. Enhancements will also include walkability improvements, added green space and new seating areas. A rebranding of the area’s name may also be in the works.
Some changes are already visible. Fast and Beauty has closed and been replaced by Fit Ritual, a new workout center that Klaman said “looks amazing.” The former Bertucci’s restaurant space will soon house Sam Walker’s American Tavern, a comfort food restaurant.
“That was an amazing get to kick off the rebranding,” Klaman said. “I think this is really going to liven up the area.”
The restaurant is under construction and expected to open within five months, according to Klaman.
In addition to backfilling vacant spaces, Centercorp plans to add three new outparcel buildings, set for construction next spring.
“We are working with First Watch. That’s going to be an amazing addition. It’ll be a real breakfast place,” Klaman said, adding that another one of the parcels will be a “Mediterranean concept with bowls.”
The next phase will bring a 160-unit apartment building located behind the Stop & Shop grocery store.
“It’s going to be a little community in itself,” Klaman said. “There’s absolutely going to be benefits to the community as a whole and Vinnin Square neighbors.”
Still, the full project is expected to take several years. Rose previously estimated completion by the end of 2027.
“Everything in commercial real estate takes a lot of time,” Klaman said.
