Developer Says Route 1 Has Become a ‘Hot Location’ for Businesses Following Opening of Galleria Mall-August 17, 1988

The developer of a new shopping center along Route 1 reports that commercial space on the highway is a hot commodity and expects the final vacancy to be filled by September. “I get calls all the time on it,” said Robert Piso, president of Galleria Realty Trust, which opened the Galleria by the Green at 500 Boston-Providence Highway in May. “Everybody’s looking to open on Route 1,” he said. “It’s a very hot location. Route 1 has come along so fantastically that it’s sought after by businesses.”

Piso noted that he is carefully vetting potential occupants to select a “quality” tenant with a solid track record, joining eight other existing businesses that are primarily regional chains or successful independent enterprises. Spanning more than 30,000 square feet with parking for 120 cars, the retail center sits in front of the Norwood Country Club golf course.

Strategic positioning was a deciding factor for Sam Rojanasuvan, co-owner of Siam Lotus, a Thai restaurant that established itself as one of the mall’s inaugural tenants alongside an AM&T telephone store, gift shop, ice cream parlor, computer store, sporting goods shop, weight-loss center, and music equipment store. “Norwood has great potential,” said Rojanasuvan, who also co-owns Amarin of Thailand in Newton Corner. “I think Route 1 is just beginning to grow south of Boston. This area can become the next Saugus.” Rojanasuvan noted that commercial development across Norwood and Westwood is booming, drawing midday diners from nearby technology firms: “The lunch crowd is mostly office people, computer people, yuppies. Most local people in Norwood don’t seem to go out in the evenings and spend lots of money. But because we are very conveniently located, people come from Sharon, Walpole, Canton, Needham and Dedham.”

With roughly 3,000 square feet remaining in the final available unit, Piso declined to disclose specific rental rates. While having received inquiries from shoe stores, hair salons, and other enterprises, Piso stated he had not yet determined who the final tenant would be.

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