The Harbor

Elm Street, Cohasset

MULTI-FAMILY DEVELOPMENT

Coastal Redevelopment On Cohasset Harbor

  • Redevelopment of a former harborfront hotel and adjacent buildings into 23 luxury residential condominiums

  • Strategic permitting under Cohasset Harbor Village Business Overlay District (HVBOD)

  • Complex land use and environmental entitlements in coastal floodplain, including zoning permitting, wetlands permitting, MEPA, and Waterways licensing

Project Vision

Originally developed in 1970, the former Cohasset Harbor Inn and associated restaurant and facilities occupied a prominent location on Cohasset Harbor. From 2017 to 2019, the Town of Cohasset, with input from the Harbor Committee, adopted the Harbor Village Business Overlay District (HVBOD) to encourage mixed-use redevelopment in this coastal area. Taking full advantage of this zoning framework, the developer envisioned “The Harbor”—a 23-unit luxury residential complex designed to revitalize the waterfront and enhance public access while preserving the area’s maritime character.

Legal Strategy

DTM Law represented the developer throughout the multi-year entitlement process. Attorney Adam J. Brodsky secured a Special Permit and Site Plan Approval under the HVBOD for the razing of the former hotel and adjacent buildings and the construction of three new harborfront buildings: the North and South buildings at 124 Elm Street (48,000 SF), and the West building at 87 Elm Street (32,000 SF), totaling 80,000 SF.

Attorney Brodsky also led permitting under the Massachusetts Public Waterfront Act (Chapter 91), preparing and advancing a required Waterways License and Management Plan. The project further required local Conservation Commission permitting, the successful navigation of MEPA environmental review, and resolution of complex real estate easements to allow cohesive development across multiple parcels.

Outcome

“The Harbor” now stands as a premier coastal residential community, bringing new life to a previously underutilized harborfront site. The project exemplifies the potential of zoning innovation, public-private coordination, and legal expertise in coastal redevelopment.

The Harbor

(All Photos Credit: Dellbrook/JKS)