SWAMPSCOTT — Swampscott Mall is currently undergoing renovations that will add four new businesses to the location and allow for the area to be revamped in a similar style to MarketStreet in Lynnfield.
Leasing Associate from Centercorp Retail Properties, which owns the site, Sarah Klaman explained that, aside from the new Sam Walker’s American Tavern coming to the mall, which is set to open Dec. 13, there are also three other new businesses that will be constructed on the site in the current parking lot area.
“We’re renovating the entire facade, creating more green space, more walkability, and we’re adding three outparcel buildings (free standing structures that are not connected to each other), which are going to be casual restaurants,” Klaman said. “I can’t reveal the other three businesses because I don’t have permission from the tenants, but all three of those are spoken for with new food uses… Sam Walker’s American Tavern is the only new full-service restaurant that will be in the plaza.”
The overall goal of the redevelopment project is to utilize open space. Klaman said the project aims to modernize the site to give it more of a “lifestyle center” feel. Meninno Construction Co., Inc. was contracted to carry out the work for the project.
Klaman said the new tavern will be 10,000 square feet. The existing spaces of the former Bertucci’s Restaurant and Olympia Sports were combined for the site, with two large bars, 35 TVs, and what Klaman called a “family-friendly atmosphere.”
“The existing facade work will be completed this spring, and for the three outparcel buildings, that will be about another year before completion,” Klaman said. “We also got approval to build 165 units of housing behind Stop & Shop, but I’m not sure if that’s happening anytime soon.”
Building Commissioner Rich Baldacci said, “I’m waiting for an application for the housing portion of the Planning Board’s decision regarding a plan review. The final portion would be the issuance of a building permit so that they can start construction of the building.”
Community and Economic Development Director Marzie Galazka said it’s great to see the expansion, which she thinks will revitalize the mall.
“The number one thing, for me, is the creation of new jobs and the tax revenue that will be generated from the businesses. Also, just bringing people into the community and seeing what Swampscott has to offer,” Galazka said.
She said there will be outside common space for people to utilize and added that she’s excited to see the economic opportunities the redevelopment could bring to the Town.
Baldacci said, “It’s a big change for Vinnin Square, and there may be some small issues to work out as the project continues, but hopefully it works out.”
