‘Almost There’ for Settles Glass Site Developer

April 17 by Carol Britton Meyer

There's only one more step before the developer of the much-anticipated upscale mixed-use, three-story residential/retail building planned for the Settles Glass site at the corner of North and Station streets can start bringing the project to reality.

Following Selectmen approval Tuesday (April 16) for related work in the public way with some conditions regarding signage, sidewalks, construction fencing, etc., the one remaining piece is the issuance of a building permit. Builder/Developer Matt Falconeiri -- who constructed the new Lincoln Building -- is hoping to obtain one soon. Hingham Architect Vcevy Strekalovsky designed the project.

"We're thrilled to see this project start to come to life," Falconeiri said.

Once that occurs, neighbors and passersby will start to see the project taking shape -- the construction itself, a brick sidewalk, landscaping and shrubbery, a lawn area, new granite curbing, a bike rack near the courtyard at the front  of the building, two new street lamps to light the way, and handicapped-accessible ramps at the North/Station Street intersection and off Station Street.

"This is a linchpin project that's part of the tie-in between the harbor and Hingham Square that will be well-lit and accessible," Town Administrator Tom Mayo said.
If all goes as planned, construction could begin in May and continue for about 18 months. Street parking is not expected to be affected in that area.

The building will include retail space on the first floor and four spacious condominium units -- two on each of the second and third floors.

The process has been lengthy, following two earlier failed proposals for a biergarten, and years later a larger mix of residential and commercial units.

Every effort will be made to minimize impacts to local businesses. If necessary, traffic calming opportunities on Station and North streets will be considered through the Traffic Committee. Any recommendations it might make would require Selectmen approval.

"We have a shared interest in getting this project going," said Selectman Mary Power. "I've heard nothing but good things about the Lincoln Building,  and we're looking forward to working in the same cooperative manner on this project and to an equally successful outcome."

Falconeiri Construction, based in Middleboro since 1971, is moving its headquarters to the Industrial Park in Hingham this summer, and Falconeiri plans to take the Settles Glass sign from the old building with him and find a place to display it there.