With the School Department's recent move from the Hawthorne School building to the Coffin School building, the Town has the opportunity to repurpose and redevelop the historic Hawthorne School for public benefit. Redevelopment of the site and an adaptive reuse of the Hawthorne School will support our vibrant downtown by breathing new life into an important historic asset while generating new tax revenue.
The Hawthorne School is part of the National Register of Historic Places’ Federal Street Historic District.
On June 16, 2025, the Town Council established a task force, which will conduct community outreach, provide input to the RFP, and evaluate developer proposals. Throughout this process, the task force will be seeking Town Council approvals.
Timeline
1. Community Process (3-4 Months)
- Establish the Hawthorne School Redevelopment Taskforce
- Conduct community workshop
- Issue RFP, evaluate proposals
- Make recommendation to Council
2. Pre-Development Activities (1 Year)
- Negotiate a Purchase, Sale, and Development Agreement with developer
- Developer works to meet PSDA requirements, secure project financing, develop design and construction documents, obtain historic approvals (if using tax credits), planning and development process/entitlements, permitting, etc.
- Grant applications
- Legal work
3. Construction (1 Year)
- Redevelopment activities/site work, building improvements, construction
- Certificate of Occupancy
