The Paragon Brings Coastal Resilience to Nantasket Beach

Hull, Massachusetts is no stranger to the challenges of coastal living. Rising seas, powerful storms, and fragile infrastructure have shaped every new development along Nantasket Beach. Now, one of the region’s most anticipated projects—The Paragon—developed by The Procopio Companies with architecture by Monte French Design Studio, structural engineering by H+O, and construction led by Dellbrook | JKS —is set to transform this shoreline. The $65 million mixed-use community will bring 132 new residential units, retail, and hospitality to the heart of Hull, all while setting a new benchmark for flood resilience and design.

Reimagining a Historic Site

The site at 181–199 Nantasket Avenue was once home to the beloved Paragon Boardwalk. With its arcades, mini-golf, and proximity to the historic carousel, the space holds a place in Hull’s collective memory. Today, the project team is reimagining it as a year-round destination blending coastal living with modern resilience.

Confronting Coastal Challenges

Constructing on the shoreline means designing for the reality of storm surge and rising seas. In Flood risk, stormwater management, and environmental regulations required creative solutions. The Paragon’s team collaborated with local officials and conservation agencies to align the design with Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) standards. In late 2024, the project secured MEPA certification without requiring a full Environmental Impact Report.

Key adjustments included:

• Elevated ground floor: Residential lobbies and commercial spaces will be raised more than two feet above sidewalk grade to allow floodwaters to pass beneath.
• Resilient boardwalk: A new 10-foot-wide wooden boardwalk will front Nantasket Avenue, complete with stairs, ramps, and coastal landscaping.
• Stormwater improvements: Redesigned drainage and landscaping systems reduce runoff and improve resilience against heavy rains.

Transit Oriented Development

The Paragon will provide 180 parking spaces across garage and surface lots. Contingency measures also include access to shuttle services from nearby Nantasket Junction commuter rail during flood events.

Community Investment at Scale

With 132 new homes—including a mix of rental apartments and condominiums—the project expands housing diversity in Hull. Ground-floor retail and restaurant space will draw residents and visitors year-round, creating a placemaking anchor strengthening both daily life and Hull’s seasonal economy.

What’s Next

Demolition is underway with full construction expected to begin in early fall 2025, with completion anticipated in spring 2027.

For developers and architects across New England, The Paragon is a case study in coastal resilience and mixed-use placemaking. It demonstrates how regulatory challenges can be addressed with creative design, disciplined engineering, and collaboration across public and private stakeholders.

Stay tuned for updates as The Paragon moves toward groundbreaking—reshaping Nantasket Beach for the next century.

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