HARWICH — Longtime patrons of the Sundae School Homemade Ice Cream shop in Harwich are facing bittersweet news as the beloved ice cream shop, a Cape Cod staple, may soon be torn down to make way for a housing development.
The Sundae School, a cherished stop for ice cream lovers, has been a local favorite since opening its Harwich Port location in 1998. However, developers have proposed demolishing the shop and replacing it with a 28-unit housing complex. Sundae School will continue to operate its other location in Dennisport.
The potential loss of the iconic shop has left residents like Hailey Davis, a Harwich local, feeling disheartened. “It is upsetting because it is the go-to ice cream place in Harwich,” Davis said.
Housing Development Proposal
The proposed housing project is slated for the property on Route 28 where Sundae School currently operates. Mark Waldman, a neighbor, acknowledged the inevitable changes but expressed his concerns over the impact the development would have on his property. “It’s just been part of our lives for almost 25 years. Both of my kids worked here. It’s not ideal for us, but I understand it. It’s a lot of land with a tiny little footprint,” Waldman shared.
For some residents, the change is especially tough to accept. Bob and Barbara Nickerson, whose family has owned a home across from the shop since 1880, are requesting that the project be scaled back. “We just wish they would consider the size of the unit, the whole building a little bit, and come down and make it not three stories but two stories,” Bob Nickerson said.
A Nostalgic Spot
The shop’s distinctive, nostalgic Cape Cod charm has made it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. “The actual character of it is very like Cape Cod ice cream shop kind of energy. When you walk in, it’s just very reminiscent of another time,” Davis added. “That’s sad because it’s just an iconic spot.”
While most residents acknowledge the inevitability of change, many are sad to see the end of an era. Sundae School is expected to open for the 2025 season later this week, giving customers a chance to enjoy their favorite ice cream flavors for at least one more year.
A planning board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday night, where members will review the site and consider the special permit for the proposed housing development.
Sundae School was also the winner of the WBZ Ice Cream Social in 2021, further cementing its status as a beloved local institution.
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