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
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Norwood Mall Location Back On Market-This Day In Norwood History-July 21, 1977
The 25-acre property at Route 1 and Union Street in Norwood is back on the market after the Lanning Corp. allowed its development option to lapse. The site, once intended for an innovative specialty mall, is now open for new commercial or industrial proposals.
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Simoni’s Flowers Unveils Major Rebuilding Plans for Route 1 Nursery and Greenhouse-September 1, 1976
Representatives of Simoni’s Flowers, Inc., located at 277 Providence Highway (Route 1), appeared before the Board of Appeals to outline an ambitious plan to demolish most of the existing structures on their 26-acre commercial site and construct a modern nursery, greenhouse, salesroom, and parking facility. Rebuilding Plans and Zoning Hurdles Although Simoni’s has operated on…
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Roll Land Hangs On-This Day in Norwood History-September 1, 1976
Except for its own sign out front, the Roll-Land roller skating rink along the commercial jungle known as Route 1 looks much as it did years ago when it opened. Original part-owner John Santoro still takes tickets at the door; a huge organ console pumps out old standards; colored Lights illuminate the well-traveled boards and…
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James H. Shane Wins Public Auction Bid to Purchase Historic Norwood Arena Property-August 11, 1976
Following a mortgage default by Norwood Arena, Inc., developer James H. Shane purchased the 72.5-acre Route 1 landmark for $395,751 at a public auction initiated by Baybank Norfolk County Trust Company.
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Burger King Proposal Revived for Route 1 Site of Art Johnson’s Food Stand-July 29, 1976
A revived Burger King proposal for the Route 1 and Everett Street site of Art Johnson’s food stand faced review by the Norwood planning board.
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Route 1 Wildlife Sanctuary Established by Owner Andrew Simoni to Protect Local Fauna-August 25, 1975
For 15 years, property owner Andrew Simoni has maintained a private 32-acre wildlife sanctuary along Route 1 in Norwood to protect local animals from hunters.
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Vandalism and Thefts Plague Route 1 Auto Dealers Amid Rising Security and Insurance Concerns-August 16, 1975
Facing persistent vandalism and vehicle thefts along Route 1, Norwood auto dealers grapple with stretched police resources, security hurdles, and soaring insurance costs.
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Eleven Norwood Policemen Honored for Capture of Needham National Bank Robbers-September 18, 1974
Eleven Norwood police officers receive town commendations and heroism medals for capturing two armed suspects following a shootout during the Sept. 6 Needham National Bank robbery.
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Factory Mutual Research Corp. Pioneers Advanced Scientific Fire Research and Prevention from Norwood Headquarters-August 10, 1974
Factory Mutual Research Corp. on Route 1 in Norwood leads the nation in scientific fire research, investigating combustion toxics, high-rise safety, and home sprinkler systems for federal agencies.
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Liquor License Request Tabled In Norwood-June 19, 1974
An intense Selectmen meeting surfaces complaints of threats, noise, and traffic issues surrounding a local highway establishment.
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