Abandoned Grace Episcopal Church Scheduled for Demolition-September 9, 1967

The abandoned Grace Episcopal Church building on Walpole Street is slated for demolition next week, according to Fire Chief Irving J. Dobson. In its place, the property’s owners—three local Norwood physicians—have finalized architectural plans to construct a modern split-level medical center.

Safety Concerns and Property Background

Chief Dobson announced the impending demolition date during a report to the Board of Selectmen, replying to a safety inspection request ordered by the board the previous week. The municipal safety check had been prompted by a formal letter from Arthur P. Allen of 5 Walpole St., who described the deserted, ivy-covered structure as an attractive nuisance and a direct health and safety hazard to neighborhood children.

Built in 1910, the historic church building had stood completely empty since 1962, when its congregation relocated to new quarters on Chapel Street. In March 1967, the property was acquired by three Norwood doctors: Dr. Donald Conlon, Dr. James Stanton, and Dr. Ronald Romeo.

Contemporary Medical Center Plans

Dr. Ronald Romeo confirmed that the new facility will feature a contemporary architectural design housing eight professional office suites. The commercial medical building is being designed by Professional Office Builders of Wisconsin, with construction slated to move forward immediately following demolition so that the new facility can open its doors by next September.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger