The historic property located at 31 Easy St., near Steamboat Wharf in Nantucket, is poised for a potential revival after years of vacancy. This building, once home to Schooner’s restaurant, has been sitting empty due to a long-standing dispute between owner Joseph Arno and the town over an eminent domain taking. Despite the property being approved for demolition a few years ago, a new proposal for a 200-seat restaurant, named Easy Street Restaurant, has emerged.
New Plans for 31 Easy Street
Arno, who has owned the building since the 1970s, has filed for a special permit with the Nantucket Planning Board to reopen the space as a restaurant. The proposed plans indicate that the 2,040-square-foot building would feature two floors of dining and patio seating on three sides of the structure, retaining its waterfront charm while offering a new dining destination.
The Controversy Over Ownership
The property at 31 Easy St. has been at the center of tension between the town, the Land Bank, and the Steamship Authority, all of whom have sought to acquire it for public purposes. The acquisition was initially pursued through eminent domain, but this was met with resistance from Arno, who claimed the town’s actions were an abuse of authority. In 2023, after a contentious vote, the town succeeded in securing the right to acquire the property through eminent domain, although negotiations between Arno and the town have not advanced since then.
The Building’s Rich History
Constructed in 1900, the building has historical significance. Originally part of the Nantucket Railroad infrastructure, it has served various purposes over the years. It was home to Tony Sarg’s shop, a renowned artist and puppeteer, in the early 20th century. The Nantucket Preservation Trust recognizes the building’s importance, noting its contribution to Nantucket’s National Historic Landmark status.
For decades, 31 Easy Street housed successful restaurants like Schooner’s and Easy Street Restaurant before falling into vacancy in the last ten years. Briefly, it operated as a retail outlet, including a few summer seasons with TownPool in 2016 and 2019.
Economic and Cultural Importance
The proposed reopening of Easy Street Restaurant represents more than just a new dining option for Nantucket; it’s a step toward reviving an iconic space with deep historical and cultural ties to the island. Town officials have expressed support for improvements that stabilize and enhance Steamboat Wharf, which serves as a critical gateway to Nantucket.
While the town had hoped to acquire the property for public use, the decision to allow Arno to pursue a restaurant operation could balance both the preservation of local history and the introduction of a modern establishment to serve both locals and tourists.
As plans move forward, it’s clear that 31 Easy Street holds a special place in Nantucket’s heritage, and its next chapter will be one that blends both tradition and innovation in a restaurant setting.
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