Save The Glover! $2M Fundraising Efforts Get Select Board Backing

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — Efforts to raise the estimated $2 million necessary to restore the Revolutionary War General John Glover farmhouse and avoid demolition upon construction of a 140-unit surrounding housing development got a boost with a vote of support from the Swampscott Select Board.

Members of Save the Glover! and the Swampscott Historical Commission went to the Select Board last week, arguing that town support was key to boosting "major donor" support toward reaching the fundraising goal as part of a deal with National Development to preserve the building amid the parcel redevelopment.

According to the committee members, National Development has offered $250,000 toward the $2 million necessary to restore the building — with a contingency that the remaining money be raised to complete those exterior renovations ahead of the planned 2028 opening of the housing units.

If the money is not raised, the building will be demolished.

"We have 24 months or so," Swampscott Historical Commission Chair Nancy Schultz told the Select Board. "They want the exterior of the building restored before the rental units open. That gives us a pretty good runway.

"And, with the people we have, I think we are very close to having enough to do that — to restore the building envelope."

She said about $1 million is estimated to be needed for at least the exterior of the building, with the full renovation cost still to be determined.

Of more immediate consequence, the Select Board noted, was that National Development is applying for a height variance of up to 10 feet — essentially a fifth floor — on part of the development that it said is necessary to compensate for having the Glover house stay on the property.

The Planning Board could hear that petition as early as June, and then needs to vote on it within 90 days. If the variance is granted, and the renovation money is not raised, the development would be able to build the fifth floor while also being able to demolish the house, once home to the famed Revolutionary War general.

"I think you are going to need to show clear (fundraising) progress," Select Board member Doug Thompson said. "Knowing more clearly what it is going to cost (for a full renovation) ... and showing clear progress in raising funds. Then maybe you don't have every single thing locked down forever, but the more that you have a sense of what is going to happen inside, the better it is actually going to be for raising money."

Schultz outlined a business plan that would include the building being turned into a historical center with a gift shop and potential cafe, office space and rental space for both the community and residents of the surrounding housing development.

She said National Development has pledged to offer the town a lease of $1 per year for 99 years if the renovations are completed, with Save the Glover! offering to pay $5,000 in annual operating expenses for five years until, as planned, the building becomes self-sustainable.

Committee members said they have raised about $500,000 toward the $2 million goal — including the $250,000 from National Development — in the three months since attaining 501(c)3 non-profit status.

The Swampscott Historical Society also recently committed a "generous four-figure gift" to the campaign in addition to Society member Brian Drummond's $500 personal donation

"Save the Glover! board members express their appreciation for this support, noting that the Historical Society's contribution reflects a shared commitment to protecting Swampscott's heritage," Save the Glover! said in a statement to Patch on Monday.

Following his service in the Revolution, General John Glover resided in the 1750 farmhouse at 299 Salem Street, the former General Glover House Restaurant.

"The Swampscott Historical Society has partnered with Save the Glover! from the very beginning of this effort," Swampscott Historical Society President Molly Conner said. "We are so pleased to be able to donate at this critical time toward saving another historic home in town."

Committee members said the hope is that the excitement around the 250th anniversary year of the Declaration of Independence will also spur fundraising efforts — especially among the "major donors" that will be necessary to secure support from to attain the fundraising goal.