Kowloon Restaurant in Saugus Plans Downsized Rebuild with Apartment Complex

Plans for a reimagined Kowloon restaurant are taking shape in Saugus, Massachusetts, with owners proposing a smaller establishment integrated into a new six-story apartment complex.

The proposal, presented to town officials yesterday by New Hampshire-based architecture firm Dennis Mires, The Architects, would see the iconic 1,200-seat restaurant replaced with a more modern Kowloon accommodating approximately 300 to 400 patrons. The new building will also house 198 one-bedroom apartments and other “high-end commercial” units. The future of the landmark restaurant has been a topic of local discussion as Route 1 sees increased development. “We hope to be through approvals before the end of the year,” said partner Michael McKeown on Wednesday.

While the building will not retain the restaurant’s signature A-frame shape, the interior design will aim for a “clean aesthetic” with “lots of color” and natural light, reflecting the Wong family’s desire to maintain the restaurant’s unique atmosphere. The Wong family, long-time owners of Kowloon, reportedly chose Dennis Mires, The Architects after being impressed with their work on the nearby Orange Dinosaur roadside attraction. “They wanted something modern with lots of color” and “to carry on that wonderful experience that their patrons have when they visit the restaurant,” McKeown explained.

Construction is planned to occur in phases, with a temporary restaurant opening on-site to ensure uninterrupted service during the rebuild. The Kowloon has been a local employer for decades, and officials aim to avoid any disruption to staff. Further details about the project, including zoning requirements and potential traffic impacts, can be found on the Town of Saugus website.

Town officials could approve the plans before the end of the year, with construction potentially beginning in late spring or summer of 2025.