Premier Martial Arts Closure Adds to Ongoing Business Turnover in Vinnin Square Redevelopment Area
Premier Martial Arts will be shutting its doors. || Courtesy Photo
After five years in operation at Vinnin Square, Premier Martial Arts will close at the end of the week, citing increased rent as the reason for the shutdown.
The studio offered karate and martial arts classes for both children and adults. Children flocked into the gym for what would be some of their final classes on Thursday evening.
Premier Martial Arts Manager Mike Whitlinger said he is appreciative of the community of families who have attended classes throughout the years, from both Swampscott and neighboring towns.
“They’re very great people,” said Whitlinger. “Community oriented and down to earth. We’re hoping both parents and kids remember the positives.”
Whitlinger said that while children were learning the valuable skillset of self-defense, Premier Martial Arts also taught them to be respectful and how to stay focused.
“We owe it all to the parents,” said Whitlinger. “I’m going to miss working with the kids and the training aspect of it.”
Whitlinger said students often shared funny stories from school during class, which regularly brought smiles to staff members’ faces.
“There was really never a dull moment,” he said. “Hopefully everyone has great memories. I’m grateful for the people and connections we made along the way.”
Premier Martial Arts is not the only business recently impacted in Vinnin Square. Flip the Bird announced last week that it was closing up shop.
The restaurant cited rising food costs, higher operating expenses and increasing rent as factors in the decision. Flip the Bird also pointed to ongoing construction in the area, which it said has made access difficult for customers.
Vinnin Square continues to undergo significant redevelopment. Mall Access Road was closed throughout the week to allow for construction.
Fast and Beauty has closed and been replaced by Fit Ritual, a fitness center. The former Bertucci’s space is now home to Sam Walker’s American Tavern.
In addition to filling vacant storefronts, Centercorp is adding three outparcel buildings.
“We are working with First Watch. That’s going to be an amazing addition. It’ll be a real breakfast place,” Sarah Klaman, an associate with Centercorp Retail Properties, previously said, adding that another one of the parcels will be a “Mediterranean concept with bowls.”
The next phase of the project includes a 160-unit apartment building behind the Stop & Shop grocery store.
The redevelopment project is not expected to be completed until late 2027.
“There was really never a dull moment,” he said. “Hopefully everyone has great memories. I’m grateful for the people and connections we made along the way.”
