July
20, 2007
By Robin Kaminski/The Daily Item
The long since defunct Anthony’s Hawthorne and its
entire parking lot in Central Square may soon be developed
into a new business or restaurant, according to Executive
Director of Economic Development & Industrial Corporation
(EDIC) James Cowdell.
Following a lengthy stalemate between the city and the
Athanas family, who own the former restaurant, talks have
resumed to discuss future plans for the site.
“We have been making progress and I am very pleased
with the two meetings that we have had and things are starting
to look up,” he said. “If this project becomes
a reality, it will go perfectly with the condo projects
downtown.”
Having stood vacant for nearly five years, Cowdell said
the city applied pressure to the family, who until recently
had remained mum on the issue, to make a decision.
City officials discussed the possibility of eminent domain
in the event the family declined to negotiate, but Cowdell
previously said all other avenues would be exhausted prior.
Opened in 1937 by the late Anthony Athanas, the family
owned four additional restaurants, including Hawthorne
by the Sea in Swampscott and General Glover House, also
in Swampscott, which closed approximately 15 years ago
and still remains vacant.
Two appraisals of the Hawthorne building
estimated the structure is worth $850,000. The
building, which was determined as structurally sound,
generates $12,206 in property taxes each year that are
currently paid and up to date.
According to Cowdell, the family
was approached with a formal offer to purchase the building
in May, but a delayed response from the Athanas family
befuddled the city.
“Talks started our tumultuous in the beginning and
now we are in a very good spot,” he said. “I’m
not sure what the building will become, but we are looking
at a possibility huge development with major construction
in the area.”
Cowdell stressed that the city and the Athanas family
are only in the planning stages as of now and that another
meeting would take place in August to discuss potential
plans.
“This would be a significant investment in the downtown
area and it has great potential,” he said.
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