Raytheon Seeks Buyer for Route 1 Site-August 27, 1993

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