By Dolores Sauca Lorusso

Demolition of the former Atlantic Aquarium at the foot of Atlantic Hill is under way and construction of the 21-unit residential building that will replace it is moving forward. The developer said a building permit is expected as early as next week.

Demolition of the former atlantic aquarium has begun. A construction fence was installed for safety.

Contractors have begun demolishing the concrete-block building, constructed in 1972, from the inside out. Jonathan Leavitt, a principal of 120 Nantasket Ave LLC, said there was a lot of work in the ground first, such as breaking the slab floor in the basement, crushing it, and subsequently putting it in the hole to bring the level of the basement higher.

“The demo is under way even though the walls are not collapsed in yet,” said the Brookline architect and developer. “The roof has been removed and a geotech engineer examined the soil to be sure it can accept footings.”

Leavitt plans to take down the existing structure and build on the original foundation.

Curious about the history of the aquarium building? Click here for our story!

“It is a complicated build to preserve the foundation and build on top,” he said. “Normally we knock down the existing building and build new.”

On Sept. 27, the planning board approved a definitive subdivision plan for the development, which Leavitt described as “protecting the property from any adverse bylaw impacts.” Filing a subdivision plan doesn’t fundamentally change the property’s layout, but locks in current zoning for eight years.

A four-story, 21-unit building will replace the former aquarium.

“We filed the preliminary subdivision with the sole purpose of freezing the zoning via a subdivision plan freeze, because at the time several zoning articles were coming to Hull town meeting that were of concern to us,” said Leavitt’s attorney, Adam J. Brodsky of Drohan, Tocchio, and Morgan.

The property’s units will be rented or sold at market rate, and because of the zoning freeze, none of the units is required to be designated as affordable.

Brodsky addressed the planning board’s previously voiced concerns about the project not going forward and Leavitt selling the property with the benefit of the zoning freeze by noting that the developer filed for a building permit on June 27, and assured the board the building will be constructed.

“The developer has arranged with the DCR (Department of Conservation and Recreation) for a construction easement,” said Brodsky. Construction fencing has been installed on the DCR-controlled sidewalk in front of the building.

Leavitt explained the owners are answering some questions for the building department regarding the building permit.

“An extensive analysis for energy consumption is required; we are finalizing the energy model for certain criteria,” he said. “We are set to meet all required criteria.”

Leavitt said he is working out the building schedule with the contractor, saying that typically he “would expect the build to take one and half years…whether it will take longer or shorter I do not know. There are a lot of pieces to the puzzle.”

The building will include a mix of one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom units, with a parking garage on the ground level. The plans also include an outdoor swimming pool and deck.

“The building is not a cookie-cutter design,” Leavitt said. “There are terrace effects with balconies providing Hull with a premier entrance to the town.”

The facade of the building will feature walls glass facing the ocean, each story receding backward, creating the effect of “rippling flags or sails.” The rooftop can also accept solar panels if an owner wants them.

“There is a lot of privacy and views from each unit,” said Leavitt, adding, “You see the beachgoers, the sand, and the ocean…it faces west, so you see the sunset as well, and the city of Boston in the distance.”

Leavitt said he is “not pushing to presell” and would like to have the building completed before any units are sold.

The developer said that recessions usually last eight to 18 months, so that if one is ahead, “we will probably be out by the time the building is completed.” However, he also acknowledged “anything can happen, look at COVID.

“The project is coming at a time when Hull is being more discovered,” Leavitt continued. “I have found there is increasing interest in living in Hull and retiring there.”

Do you have an opinion on this issue? Click here to write a Letter to the Editor.