SWAMPSCOTT — The Swampscott Center for the Performing Arts today announced its nonprofit vision to transform the historic Hawthorne By The Sea property into a vibrant cultural destination that will serve residents, students, families, and visitors throughout Swampscott and the North Shore. The proposal is currently under consideration as part of the Town of Swampscott’s Hawthorne reuse initiative before the Board of Selectmen.
The Swampscott Center for the Performing Arts is led by a group of local business professionals with deep personal and community ties to the region. Many members grew up in Swampscott or currently reside in Swampscott, Marblehead, and Nahant, and share a longstanding connection to the Hawthorne property as a place where meaningful personal and community milestones have been celebrated.
The team’s vision is to preserve the spirit and legacy of Hawthorne By The Sea while creating a dynamic, community-centered destination that celebrates the arts, education, hospitality, and Swampscott’s unique cultural identity.
The team brings more than 30 years of experience in hospitality and entertainment. The team has vast knowledge and experience in creating integrated hospitality and entertainment environments, which will help guide the development of a similar ecosystem at the Hawthorne property.
The organization emphasized its commitment to responsible and strategic investment. While its proposal referenced securing up to $1 million in financial support, this figure reflects the organization’s long-term capacity to support the project, rather than an immediate upfront investment. Initial funding would be carefully aligned with operational needs, with additional investments based on performance and projected sustainability.
Community engagement is central to the organization’s mission. Affiliated businesses have a longstanding record of supporting local nonprofits, charitable organizations, and community events.
The proposed Swampscott Center for the Performing Arts would include a café, restaurant, small museum, gift shop, and flexible event and performance spaces. The organization envisions the property as a welcoming gateway to the Humphrey Street corridor and a year-round hub that supports:
- Arts and cultural programming
- Educational opportunities for students
- Community gatherings and nonprofit events
- Local business growth and tourism
- Preservation and celebration of Swampscott’s history
The organization believes the project will provide meaningful cultural, educational, and economic benefits while honoring the historic significance of the Hawthorne property.
Residents are encouraged to learn more about the proposal, ask questions, and share feedback through the organization’s website.
We believe Hawthorne By The Sea can become more than a destination—it can become a lasting cultural landmark that brings people together and strengthens our community. We’ll be using the Hawthorne to launch our nonprofit, and we’re very cognizant of the 30-month lease and the possibility of relocating after a successful launch.
The Swampscott Center for the Performing Arts expressed its appreciation for the opportunity to present its vision and looks forward to continued collaboration with town leaders and residents.
Please view this video to learn more about the proposal – https://swampscottcfpa.org/watch-our-proposal
About the Swampscott Center for the Performing Arts
The Swampscott Center for the Performing Arts is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the North Shore community through arts, education, hospitality, and cultural programming. The organization’s mission is to create accessible spaces that foster creativity, community engagement, and economic vitality while preserving the historic character of Swampscott’s most treasured landmarks.
