THE NEXT WAVE. The developers who purchased the former Atlantic Aquarium have filed plans for a four-story, 21-unit residential building with parking underneath. Construction of the complex, which will be built on the existing foundation, is expected to begin in the spring and be completed in 2024. [Courtesy photos]

By Christopher Haraden

Calling his concept “a solution to an eyesore,” the new owner of the former Atlantic Aquarium property filed plans last week to tear down the long-vacant building and construct a four-story, 21-unit residential complex at the base of Atlantic Hill.

To be called The Residences at the Aquarium, the new building will be constructed on the foundation of the existing structure, which was built in 1972. The proposal is a mix of three one-bedroom units, 12 two-bedrooms, and seven three-bedroom units. The three-bedroom units are two stories each and occupy the upper two floors. Each floor is designed to “step back” toward the Atlantic cliff and provide an open-air balcony. The complex would have parking underneath the building and an outdoor pool to the side.

Developer Jonathan Leavitt, of Brookline, and fellow managing partner Enrique Darer paid $1,450,000 for the two-story, concrete-block building on Aug. 19. Leavitt said he and Darer submitted plans to the town late last week for review, and hopes to begin construction in the spring, with completion set for 2024. Although taller than the current aquarium, the proposed building meets the zoning regulations of the Nantasket Beach Overlay District and does not require a variance, Leavitt said.

“Nantasket Beach, and Hull in general, is a wonderful historic beachfront community that has managed to preserve its identity and cohesion right up through the present day,” Leavitt said. “We hope that by upgrading this unused site to create flagship new residences, we will contribute to the overall growth and continuing revival of the beachfront neighborhood, of which we look forward to being a part.”

Leavitt said he plans to discuss the project with abutters, many of whom objected to the previous owner’s proposal to operate a marijuana cultivation facility. He said initial conversations with nearby condominium owners have been positive.

“There is an official process to go through, and we will reach out to the neighbors to discuss their feelings on the project outside of the hearing,” Leavitt said.

Plans call for a parking garage on the first level of the new building. The developer said the narrowness of the site, as well as limitations of the property’s boundaries, ruled out commercial uses.

“I just don’t think that this is the place for permanent, year-round-retail,” Leavitt said, adding that the sidewalk and strip of grass now in front of the building are not part of his property. “I can’t even plant shrubs or trees in front of the building without permission.”

He said a final decision has not been reached about whether the 21 units would be rented, or sold as condominiums.

“Current indications are there will be a strong demand for luxury condominiums at the beach. But we do not have a crystal ball, and are subject to the same market forces as everyone else,” he said. “We will assess the market closer to the spring of 2024, and make a decision about selling versus renting based on circumstances at that time.”