The Planning Board reviewed potential plans for the Delamar Swampscott Hotel on Monday in an effort to compile a list of comments for the Select Board.

“Traditionally we would see this for a site plan at some point in the future, and at some point in the future we will see this,” said Chair Ted Dooley. “We’re seeing this now because of the Select Board’s agreement with Clear View. They’ve asked for our review.”

Monday’s meeting was prompted by the land disposition agreement the town has with the construction company. The Planning Board’s comments will be submitted to the Select Board, which is expected to discuss them at its next meeting, according to Dooley. Dixon Mallory, director of business development, gave a presentation on the hotel plans — the same one previously shown to the Select Board.

Dooley noted that there wasn’t “an excessive amount of comments.”

The Select Board voted last year to enter into a land development agreement with Delamar, whose plan was selected in early 2024 from among three finalists. Built in 1910, the Hadley School closed when the town consolidated its elementary schools last year. In 2023, Pinnacle Advisory Group conducted a comprehensive market-demand study for the proposed hotel, finding the site “suitable for hotel development” with “good walkable amenities such as restaurants, bars and other retail.”

Under current plans, the building’s classrooms are set to become hotel suites, the gymnasium will be turned into a ballroom, and the former science lab will house a pub.

“Our intent is to celebrate that this building was a school and not shy away,” Mallory said. “We’re going to be celebrating it, not just making it look like a cookie cutter hotel.”

Developers have emphasized that much of the building’s historic character will be preserved, including the restored façade and original Italian-crafted stage art. The design also includes solar panels and an elevator tower to ensure Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance. Mallory said the final number of rooms will depend on how many suites are included, estimating between 56 and 59 in total.

Planning Board members asked clarifying questions during the presentation.

“One thing I would love to see if you could explore is the parking lot lighting,” Member Jer Jurma said, adding that the lower lights on the parking lot but not the surrounding area would allow a bigger buy-in from the neighborhood.

Mallory said his team has given the issue considerable thought and has “no interest in lighting the sky.”

Jurma also referred to the space behind the elevator tower as “dead space” and suggested that reconfiguring it to connect with the annex might reduce the design from three towers to two. He also recommended covering the ADA ramp.

Dooley inquired about staff parking. Mallory responded that many employees take mass transit, and for the rest — as well as for guests — street parking or off-site spots may be necessary.

Despite the concerns raised, Jurma remarked, “It’s going to be a beautiful project.”

Delamar is currently in its due diligence phase.

Last month, residents gathered at Swampscott High School to ask questions and share concerns about the project’s design and potential neighborhood impact. Parking and the future location of the playground were among the most commonly raised issues.

Delamar has about 14 months to secure all necessary permits and financing. The company must “execute the ground lease” within 15 months of the due diligence period, Select Board Chair Katie Phelan previously said. Once the lease is executed, Delamar is expected to complete approximately 50% of the project within one year.

“I’m just so excited that this is happening,” said Planning Board Member Angela Ippolito. “I’m have nothing but good things to say.”