Fire Chief George Morrice, Building Commissioner Matthew Walsh, and General Manager Tony Mazzucco ordered the main building of the Norwood Commerce Center closed after dozens of code and life safety violations were discovered by fire department investigators after responding to a fire at the former mill on Tuesday.
The Norwood Commerce Center, located at 61 Endicott St. was converted into a variety of shops and businesses starting in 2012, including the Winsmith Mill Market. The property, comprised of 14 buildings, including its main structure that houses Buildings 23-26, is approximately 150,000 square feet in size.
Buildings 23-26 were closed by town officials after the Norwood Fire Department responded to a report of a fire on the second floor of Building 26. The small fire was was later determined to be accidental and was quickly extinguished with no reported injuries.
The building had been altered and was very cluttered, making it difficult for firefighters to reach it initially with their hose lines. Firefighters had to use about 350 feet in additional hose lines in order to reach the fire and extinguish it.
Seeing the condition of the building and noticing numerous fire and life safety violations, the Norwood Building Commissioner was called to the scene to review the property. Both Chief Morrice and Building Commissioner Walsh determined that the building needed to be closed until the numerous violations were fixed.
Violations found inside the building included fire safety, building code, electrical, health code, plumbing, and zoning violations.
Iinside the building inspectors found :
An autobody shop operating out of the basement of the building had several motor vehicles, boats and motorcycles inside. The ceiling of the shop is not fire rated, and had flammable materials stored inside.
A 25-seat theater on the second floor of the building without proper life safety or health requirements met.
Several businesses apparently selling food and alcohol without proper licensure or permits.
Several building projects that were not permitted by the Town that did not meet code or safety standards.
Several illegal bathrooms with inadequate plumbing and ventilation.
Fire Code Violations:
Obstructed egress
No pull stations
No emergency lighting
Fire load in excess of sprinkler capacity
Unrated stairwells
Improper compartmentalization
Improper fuel storage
Inadequate/broken water supply
Unmarked sprinkler systems
Unrated egress
Propped open doors
Dead-end corridors
“Any number of these violations would be cause for the building to be shut down, let alone the dozens that we’ve discovered on the property thus far,” Chief Morrice said. “We are very fortunate that this fire was not more serious and did not happen when there were hundreds of vendors and patrons inside the building on a given weekend. Thankfully our firefighters were able to quickly put out the fire despite the difficulties they experienced navigating their way through the building and getting enough hose up there.”
The owner of the building is listed as Norwood Commerce Center, based in Boston and the property manager is Richard Bruno. In the coming days, town officials will continue to conduct further inspections, including an electrical inspection, and provide the owner with the full list of items that need to be rectified before the building can be allowed to be safely reopened.
“A building of this size with this large number of patronage needs to be properly maintained at all times and these violations are serious and unacceptable,” Building Commissioner Walsh said. “We hold our businesses and buildings in Norwood to high standards and if those standards are not met, then the building is not safe enough to remain open.”
The Norwood Commerce Center is home to a variety of small businesses including artisans, antique shops, clothiers, musicians, photographers, furniture makers and other types of businesses. Operating on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, the property can see hundreds of visitors when open.
“It is unfortunate that there were all of these violations because the market is a very vibrant and unique place in Norwood and in the region,” Town Manager Mazzucco said. “While we certainly feel bad for all of the small businesses and vendors that utilize the building that will be impacted by the closure, ensuring the health and safety of all that enter the building, including our first responders, is of the utmost importance.”
source: Norwood Fire Department statement
(All articles originally published in the Norwood Messenger)