Defense contractor Raytheon Co. is seeking a buyer for its 20-acre commercial property located at the intersection of Route 1 and Sumner Street, with an asking price reported at $18 million. Town Planner Stephen Costello noted that if completed at that valuation, the transaction would rank as one of the largest commercial real estate sales in town history.
The Lexington-based firm, which has maintained a presence in Norwood for 34 years, has utilized the complex in recent years for shipping, receiving, and warehousing. Historically, the facility was used to manufacture radar systems and computer terminals. Raytheon is globally recognized for producing the Patriot missile, which gained prominence during the Gulf War.
Initial Inquiries and Potential Redevelopment
While Raytheon spokesman Edward Powers confirmed that the company is exploring potential sale opportunities as part of ongoing planning, he emphasized that no final decisions have been made. Despite the preliminary nature of the offering, outside interest has already emerged. Northland Group Corp. of Newton—which manages the nearby Mall at Walpole—has made initial inquiries through Raytheon’s Boston brokerage firm, Leggat, McCall, Grubb and Ellis. John Dragat, Northland’s director of retail development, noted that the firm has conducted only routine preliminary work and has had no direct discussions with the owners thus far.
Zoning Challenges and Town Impact
Because the 20-acre parcel is currently situated in a manufacturing zone, any transition to retail use would require a special permit from the Planning Board. Costello highlighted that converting the property would align with broader state workforce projections anticipating a shift from manufacturing to retail—projecting local retail employment to climb from 24 percent to 32 percent by the year 2020.
Before considering any zoning changes or major redevelopment, the Planning Board would rigorously evaluate traffic impacts, financial benefits to the town, strains on municipal services like police and fire, and the direct effects on the adjacent Sumner Street residential neighborhood.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
More Norwood Business History
-
Norwood Entrepreneur Quontay Turner-January 30, 2026
Quontay Turner, owner of The Emerald City Plant Shop on Washington Street, for her business success and community leadership.
-
A Black-Owned Plant Shop Blooms In The Pandemic’s Wake-June 9, 2021
Quontay Turner opened Emerald City Plant Shop in Norwood, becoming New England’s first Black woman-owned plant store, turning a pandemic leap into a thriving botanical oasis and community space.
-
Hurley’s Beer & Wine Relocates to Vanderbilt Avenue-July 17, 2015
After 16 years in South Norwood, Hurley is navigating increased competition by emphasizing community involvement and quality customer service.
-
Savers Thrift Store Grand Opening In Norwood-July 30, 2013
On July 30, 2013, Savers Thrift Store opened at 560 Boston Providence Highway in Norwood, providing affordable goods, jobs, and charitable support.
-
Boston’s Baddest Burger-August 10, 2012
Kevin Tortorella’s “Boston’s Baddest Burger” is now serving fresh, locally sourced breakfast and lunch options in Norwood and Boston, marking the town’s first fully licensed food truck.
-
Ruma’s Fruit & Gift Basket World Wins Businesswoman of the Year-July 10, 2010
Tracing its roots back to 1900 on the cobblestones of Haymarket Square, the Ruma family of Norwood built a century-old produce and gift basket enterprise that earned Businesswoman of the Year honors in 2010.
-
Revitalizing Norwood Center: A Town’s Rebirth-July 2, 2005
Discover how Norwood has been working to transform its central business district into a vibrant shopping and dining destination.
-
Slump in Chip Industry Hits Norwood Maker-This Day In Norwood History – July 21, 1998
Analog Devices Inc. struggled with falling revenues in 1998 as global demand for semiconductors and testing equipment plummeted. Despite the fiscal pressure, the Norwood company avoided layoffs, maintaining its workforce through the market downturn.
-
Ice-Cream Vendor Disputes Fees Demanded by Norwood Arts Council-July 18, 1991
The dispute involved allegations of intimidation, Open Meeting Law concerns, and tensions over who is permitted to sell goods on the Norwood Common.
-
Butters Family Sells Pharmacy-July 20, 1990
A significant chapter in the history of South Norwood business and family legacy came to an end on July 20, 1990. The Butters family pharmacy, a staple in the community for over four decades, ceased operations after Helen Butters, the selectman’s mother and president of the family business, decided to sell the pharmaceutical stock and…
Discover more from Norwood Historical Society
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.