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. The Paragon, developed by The Procopio Companies with design 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

181–199 Nantasket Avenue was once home to the beloved Paragon Boardwalk. With its arcades, mini-golf, and proximity to the historic carousel, the site 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. Flood risk, stormwater management, and environmental regulations require creative solutions. The Paragon’s team collaborated with local officials and conservation agencies to align the design with the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) standards. In late 2024, the project met MEPA and Chapter 91 compliance.

Key design elements included:

• Residential lobbies and commercial spaces will be raised more than two feet above sidewalk grade to allow floodwater to pass beneath.
• A new 10-foot-wide wooden boardwalk will front Nantasket Avenue, complete with stairs, ramps, and coastal landscaping.
• Drainage and landscaping systems designed to reduce runoff and improve resilience against heavy rains.

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. 180 on-site parking spaces will be available to residents.

What’s Next

Construction began in 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 through construction, reshaping Nantasket Beach.

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