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
More…
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Zoppo Realty Trust Petitions for Rezoning at Route 1 and Union Street-July 17, 1979
The planning board heard initial plans for a potential small industrial park, though a final decision was deferred to allow for feedback from Walpole residents.
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Town Scraps Plan to Extend University Avenue-July 11, 1979
University Avenue Extension Plan Scrapped ⠀ On July 11, 1979, Norwood selectmen officially abandoned the long-debated plan to extend University Avenue through the Ellis Well Field area to Route 1. This reversal marks a major shift in town development, following persistent environmental concerns raised by residents regarding the potential threat to the town’s water supply.…
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Norwood Park Place Industrial Park Advances-September 12, 1978
Norwood Planning Board releases $50,000 in performance bonding for the Park Place industrial park on Route 1 as roadway and building construction progresses.
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Sewer Infiltration Fixed, Opening Doors for Park Place Industrial Development-August 29, 1978
Municipal and state officials have confirmed that long-standing sewer capacity hurdles facing the Park Place Industrial Park are finally easing. According to the state Division of Water Pollution Control, the town successfully eliminated 14,000 gallons per day of extraneous groundwater infiltration leaking into the town-MDC sewer system. The breakthrough follows an enforcement action last May…
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John Shalbey Jr. Proposes Office Building Behind Ro-Jo Car Wash-August 9, 1978
Local businessman John Shalbey Jr. faced mixed reactions from David Terrace residents while seeking a zoning variance for an office building behind his Route 1 car wash.
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Simoni Denied Permission to Build Motel Near Norwood Airport-August 3, 1978
Citing airport safety concerns and protected runway approach zones, the Massachusetts Aeronautics Commission unanimously denied developer Frank R. Simoni’s request to build a 63-foot-tall motel near Norwood Airport.
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Hazardous Shooting Incident On Route 1-July 22, 1978
On July 22, 1978, Stephen Pacheco was sought after a van was struck by gunfire near the Norwood-Canton exit.
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High-Stakes Overhaul for the Historical Village Inn-This Day in Norwood History-June 28, 1978
A 1978 town hall showdown unloads a $100,000 renovation plan for The Village Inn amidst a staggering $700,000 municipal energy deficit.
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Former Norwood Athlete Ralph Haddad Reflects on New England Golf from Colorado PGA-June 17, 1978
A dominant mid-century schoolboy golfer balances high-level Rocky Mountain competitions with local roots.
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Cadillac Dealer Carl Johnson Honored At Regional Testimonial-June 16, 1978
From founding the Norwood Airport to developing the Route 1 Automile, a local titan receives state and corporate honors.
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