Norwood Hospital Administrator David P. Buchmueller stated yesterday that constructing a high-rise addition directly at the existing hospital site could be the optimal solution to meet the institution’s growing space and modernization needs.
“I have a gut feeling that this may be the best alternative for expansion,” Buchmueller said.
Overcoming Height Restrictions and Airport Proximity
The primary hurdle facing a high-rise proposal is strict building height limitations imposed due to the hospital’s proximity to the Norwood Airport flight paths. A previous 1967 master plan had proposed a towering 15-story addition, which would exceed the maximum height currently permitted in the area.
To explore potential zoning and airspace flexibility, Buchmueller announced an upcoming October 16 meeting with officials from the Massachusetts Aeronautics Commission (MAC) at Logan Airport. “We want to see if there is any flexibility that can be given,” Buchmueller explained. “They might not approve 15 stories, but they might approve less.” Furthermore, airport representatives recently indicated that shifting flight approach patterns could potentially alter local airspace restrictions.
Acquiring the Civic Center Site and Walpole Alternative
Buchmueller emphasized that even with a successful high-rise addition, the hospital would still require acquiring the adjacent town-owned Civic Center site to support its footprint. Hospital officials have already held exploratory talks with town leaders regarding the potential acquisition of the civic center property.
The high-rise proposal and site feasibility will be formally examined by a professional consultant later this month.
If expanding on the current site proves unfeasible, the major alternative remains building an entirely new medical facility on a 50-acre tract in neighboring Walpole currently owned by the hospital. However, Buchmueller made it clear that a high-rise expansion combined with the acquisition of the adjacent Norwood Civic Center site would be far preferable to relocating the institution out of town.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
More Norwood Hospital Stories
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Future of Civic Center Debated as Hospital Expansion Plans Loom-August 29, 1980
As the historic George F. Willett Civic Center prepares for demolition to make way for Norwood Hospital’s expansion, oldtimers and town leaders clash over plans for a new $2.4 million center.
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Norwood Hospital Officials Study Pondville Sale-July 19, 1980
Norwood Hospital administrators are evaluating the legal and financial requirements for a potential purchase of Pondville Hospital in Walpole.
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Guild School Picked for Civic Center-July 8, 1980
Discover the 1980 decision that transformed the Aaron Guild School into a multi-purpose recreation hub, replacing the former Civic Center sold to Norwood Hospital.
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Norwood Votes $180,000 Civic Center Move-July 8, 1980
The Norwood Town Meeting voted 84-48 last night to appropriate $180,000 to move the Norwood Civic Center to the site of the old Aaron Guild School on Washington Street across from the civic center’s present location. The center was sold to the Norwood Hospital, Its neighbor, on April 10 for $2,075,000. The meeting also voted…
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Hennessey-Keohane Fields Revived as Potential Relocation Site for Norwood Civic Center-November 7, 1979
Town Manager John J. Carroll Proposes 13-Acre Pleasant Street Site for Dec. 3 Special Town Meeting Warrant The Hennessey-Keohane fields off Pleasant Street have been revived as a possible site for relocation of the Civic Center. On the recommendation of Town Manager John J. Carroll, selectmen agreed last night to present the Hennessey-Keohane site as…
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Random Sampling of Norwood Residents Shows Overwhelming Support for a Single, Centralized Recreation Facility to Replace Civic Center-October 26, 1979
A random street survey of Norwood residents reveals that 70 percent favor building a centralized recreation facility with a pool and gym to replace the former Civic Center sold to Norwood Hospital.
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Norwood Hospital Auxiliary Honors 132 Junior Volunteers at Annual Candystriper Recognition Ceremony-October 4, 1979
The Norwood Hospital Auxiliary honors 132 junior volunteers with service certificates and awards for their dedicated assistance to patients and staff.
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Ambrose Kelly Renews Criticism Over Norwood Hospital Civic Center Purchase-September 17, 1979
Former Finance Commissioner Ambrose J. Kelly revives opposition to Norwood Hospital’s purchase of the Civic Center, arguing promised replacement facilities have not materialized
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Chemical Concerns at Buckmaster Pond; Selectmen Tighten Fuel Storage Rules-September 12, 1979
Town Manager John J. Carroll reports a borderline concentration of tetrachloroethylene in the Buckmaster Pond well in Westwood, prompting caution on upcoming water infrastructure investments.
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Zoning Board of Appeals Set to Review Norwood Hospital Expansion Plans Following Purchase Agreement-August 17, 1979
Building Inspector John E. Grover confirmed that Norwood Hospital must secure zoning board special permits for its Civic Center expansion as officials prepare for an August 23 groundbreaking.
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