Community Corner
What Should Happen to Former Home of Marian Court College?
The Town of Swampscott and the Sisters of Mercy, who own the historic property, are asking for public input as to the future of the site.
When Marian Court College abruptly closed its doors in June, it left numerous students and employees looking for new places to finish their educations or work.
It also left a the future of the historic, seaside property White Court up in the air.
The property is owned by the Sisters of Mercy, who founded Marian Court College in 1964. The Sisters, along with Swampscotts town manager and town planner, have organized a public input session for Wednesday, Oct. 28 to hear from residents what they would like to see done with the property.
Find out what's happening in Swampscottfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
According to a press release from the town, ”[White Court] was designed and built in 1895 by renowned architect Arthur Little of the Boston architectural firm Little and Browne, for the Frederick E. Smith family of Dayton, Ohio. Situated on six acres with a commanding view of the Atlantic Ocean, the 28-room mansion served as a summer White House for President Calvin Coolidge in the 1920s.”
The Sisters of Mercy purchased the home in 1954 and opened a small secretarial school there in 1964. That school became Marian Court College and operated as such until financial woes forced the closing of the school on June 30 of this year.
Find out what's happening in Swampscottfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“The Sisters have expressed their desire to ’respect the architecture of the original home, the beautiful land and neighborhood, and at the same time look towards filling a need in your community of Swampscott,’” according to the press release from the town.
The Oct. 28 discussion will be moderated by Town Planner Pete Kane and will include a presentation the Sisters of Mercy have put together showcasing potential concepts for reusing the property. Representatives from the Sisters as well as Swampscott’s Board of Selectmen, Planning Board and Historical Commission will participate in the discussion. Members of the public will also have the opportunity to submit comments and pose questions.
“The Future of White Court” discussion will take place Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium at Swampscott High School.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
