Brunswick Weighs Options for Redeveloping Old Hawthorne School

Task force considers housing, commercial, or municipal uses for the historic building

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The town of Brunswick, Maine is exploring potential redevelopment options for the former Hawthorne School building, which most recently served as the Brunswick School Department offices. A task force is gathering community input on ideas ranging from affordable housing to commercial or municipal uses for the historic property.

Why it matters

The Hawthorne School building holds significant historical value for the Brunswick community, having served as the town’s high school and later an elementary school over the decades. Determining the best future use for the property is an important decision that will impact the local neighborhood and the broader community.

The details

The task force is considering several housing options for the site, including affordable, subsidized, market-rate, or luxury units, as well as potential for senior living. Other ideas floated include commercial uses like a day care, bed and breakfast, or retail store, as well as potential municipal uses such as a new school or government offices. The task force is currently collecting community feedback through a survey and public meetings to help guide the decision-making process.

  • The Hawthorne School building was originally constructed in 1916 after the previous school burned down.
  • The building served as an elementary school until 2009, when it became the school department’s administrative offices.
  • The school department vacated the Hawthorne School building in June 2026 after moving to the Coffin School.
  • The town established a task force to gather public input on potential reuse of the Hawthorne School property.
  • The town plans to issue a request for proposals to developers around early spring 2027, with potential construction starting as soon as 2028 if a project is approved.

The players

Chrissy Adamowicz

The town’s project manager overseeing the Hawthorne School redevelopment process.

Sally Costello

Brunswick’s economic and community development director, who spoke at a recent neighborhood meeting about potential uses for the property.

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What they’re saying

““I think a lot of people instinctually say housing is perfect for there, and we have a housing crisis,””

— Chrissy Adamowicz, Project Manager (pressherald.com)

““I think people are generally interested in the history of the building; it’s an important building. A lot of people in the community went to school there,””

— Chrissy Adamowicz, Project Manager (pressherald.com)

What’s next

The task force will evaluate the results of its community survey and public outreach, then the town plans to issue a request for proposals to developers around early spring 2027. If a redevelopment project is approved by the Town Council, construction could potentially begin as soon as 2028.

The takeaway

The redevelopment of the historic Hawthorne School building presents an opportunity for Brunswick to address its housing needs while also preserving an important community asset. The town’s inclusive planning process aims to balance various interests and priorities to determine the best future use for the property.