Developers presented to residents updated schematic plans for the Delamar Hotel during a second public meeting. While residents acknowledged the project’s preservation efforts, concerns over parking and noise were persistent.

In 2024, the Select Board voted to enter into a land development agreement with Delamar Hotels to design and develop a boutique hotel at the former Hadley Elementary School location, at 24 Redington St. The meeting, held on November 3, was at the request of the Select Board. The plans for the 55- to 60-room boutique property feature a restaurant, spa, ballroom and seasonal rooftop deck overlooking Linscott Park, as the redevelopment aims to retain much of the building’s character.

“The only major new construction that we are going to be undertaking on the property is the installation of that elevator tower, two elevators – one passenger, one service – and that second form of fire egress,” said Dixon Mallory, Delamar’s director of business development. 

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.” Delamar’s proposal was selected in February 2024 from among three finalists.

The idea of losing the former school’s field and playground, however, weighed on many neighbors, who asked about the additional pavement. Mallory said the group would try to “landscape the surrounding areas with hedging and screening,” but he noted the site’s limited footprint.

The restored building will include an outdoor dining terrace “overlooking Linscott Park, with views down to the water,” a restaurant and spa open to the public, and a ballroom in the former gymnasium large enough for roughly 120 guests. Inside, the historic mezzanine seating will remain, potentially hosting “stand-up comedians, lecture series, jazz shows,” while the rooftop will serve as a “seasonal open rooftop amenity deck, rented out for parties or a hotel guest amenity space in the warmer months,” according to Mallory.

Solar panels are planned “where it makes sense,” Mallory said, adding that several of their other Delamar properties already rely on solar energy for hot-water heating. Delamar is also considering pervious pavement in parts of the parking lot “depending on watershed and weight loads.”

Parking, however, dominated much of Monday night’s discussion. The plan currently calls for 63 on-site spaces.

“We don’t have a ton of room to work with,” Mallory said, adding that the team would seek a few more spots and coordinate with the town on potential off-site or valet options.

Town staff said a residential permit-parking plan for abutting streets could be explored with the police department, particularly for staff and during events. The Planning Board had raised the issue during an October 20 meeting as well, when Mallory suggested that many employees take mass transit.

Neighbors, though, seemed to have remained uneasy with a variety of aspects around the proposed hotel. One resident voiced their concerns about idling cars and the potential of double parking.

“That would not be our intention,” Mallory said.

The entrance and exit plans are still under review.

“There’s one entry point and one exit point,” Mallory said. “If that needs to be moved, we’ll have to study it. It’s a proposed site plan, not a final site plan.”

There were also concerns raised about noise issues. One person brought up how bands playing at Mission-on-the-Bay during the summer can be heard.

Mallory, however, assured that the group will comply with town noise ordinances.

“Weddings will be fully inside,” Mallory said. “We won’t have a band on the rooftop.”

Lighting also drew similar scrutiny. One neighbor warned that the planned parking lot exit “is pointing directly at my house, constant light at night coming out.” In response, the project team said they would use “dark-sky compliant lighting, low-height fixtures” and “screening or hedging” to prevent light spill.

Mallory had told the Planning Board in October that the group has “no interest in lighting the sky.”

As the project moves forward, developers have received Part 1 approval for state and federal historic tax credits and plan to begin construction within about 11 months, followed by 18 to 20 months of renovation.

“This is the second meeting of several,” town officials reminded residents. “The Planning Board and Select Board will hold additional public meetings. You’ll have an opportunity to see the plans as they develop.”