Groundbreaking Held for “Park Place” at Former Norwood Arena Site-October 13, 1977

Major Industrial and Commercial Development

Groundbreaking ceremonies were held yesterday afternoon at the former Norwood Arena site off Route 1, marking the official launch of what town officials describe as potentially the last major industrial development of its scale in Norwood.

Planning Board member Thomas A. Riolo hailed the project’s economic impact, noting, “It’s a shame we don’t have another 73-acre parcel along Route 1 to make available to this developer or another developer.” Riolo emphasized that the new Park Place commercial-industrial park will significantly bolster the town’s tax base and create new local jobs.

Rapid Construction Timeline and Early Commitments

While original master plans for the multi-use development—incorporating warehouse, office, research and development, and commercial spaces—spanned a five-to-seven-year window, rental agent Richard E. Myette expressed confidence that construction could be fully completed and occupied within just three years.

Early leasing and construction agreements are already locked in for several key anchors:

• A major 180,000-square-foot corporate headquarters and warehouse building for Appendagez Inc., producers of Faded Glory clothing.
• A 30,000-square-foot merchandise distribution center.
• Committed sites for a bank, a restaurant, and a racquetball club.

Appendagez Inc., operating through the related M.J.S. Realty Trust, has spearheaded the project since acquiring the Route 1 parcel over a year ago. At the ceremony, Appendagez President James H. Shane thanked Norwood residents and municipal leaders for approving the venture “in record time,” expressing hopes for long-term community prosperity.

State and Municipal Backing

Representing the Commonwealth, Hugh Redford, deputy commissioner of the state Department of Commerce and Economic Development, delivered congratulatory remarks on behalf of Governor Michael S. Dukakis.

“The governor’s top priority is the economic development of the state,” Redford said, “but all we can do is encourage the private sector.”

A strong contingent of Norwood town officials attended the groundbreaking, including Selectman Joseph Wall, Finance Commissioner George T. Mahoney, Town Manager John P. Mogan, Planning Board members Francis Wisgirda, Paul J. Donahue, and Thomas A. Riolo, Town Engineer Robert A. Hamilton, and Industrial Commission Chairman A. Franklin Swift Jr.

Strategic Advantages and Projected Value

Infrastructure work, including on-site roadways, commenced immediately following the ceremony, with vertical construction on the Appendagez headquarters and distribution center slated to begin shortly.

Myette credited the project’s swift leasing success—managed by Needham-based rental firm Algonquin Inc.—to the site’s prime location off Route 1 near major transit arteries like Routes I-95 and 128, competitive land pricing, and a local government actively receptive to the business community.

Developers pledged that all structures will feature quality architectural brick facings designed to enhance surrounding property values. Project leader James Shane estimated that upon completion, the 73-acre development will carry a total market value between $10 million and $20 million, delivering a substantial, positive impact on Norwood’s tax rate.

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