Norwood's Downtown Revitalization: A Town in Progress

The sidewalks and street lamps of Washington Street in Norwood’s business center have undergone significant changes over the years.

In 2005, Julie Post of The Patriot Ledger reported on the town’s efforts to revitalize its central business district, which had been struggling due to shopping malls drawing business away.

Aron Greenfield, owner of Brenner’s Children’s Shop, has witnessed firsthand the transformation of Washington Street. His store, which he owns with his wife Martha, has remained a staple in the area despite many other businesses closing down. “Norwood seems to be coming up lately,” Greenfield said. “We have a lot of restaurants, hairdressers and nail places, school supply stores. It’s a place where you can find almost anything without having to walk out into a mall.”

The town has taken multiple steps over the last two decades to become a shopping and dining destination. Renovations include installing new street lamps, renovating signs and storefronts, and creating four public parking lots within walking distance of the center.

Despite challenges such as finding a suitable anchor tenant for the proposed Home Quarters building on Route 1, town officials remain hopeful about the future of Norwood’s downtown area. “We’re not just Norwood anymore but a job with the beautification, just kind of enlivening (the center),” said Greenfield.

As one of few remaining retail vacancies on Washington Street, Brenner’s has attracted upscale restaurants and boutiques. The increased foot traffic has proven business for local shop owners like Don O’Neil, who owns Antique Road. “We have a clientele that comes from everywhere in the state and from out of state,” said O’Neil.

The revitalization efforts have also led to the creation of about 30 additional parking spots after town engineers converted parallel parking areas to angle spaces. Selectman Bill Plasko noted that while the town still has a way to go before it can compete with commercial hotspots, their efforts have paid off.

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

More Norwood Business History

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.
Kline’s Department Store Shutting Its Doors in Downtown Norwood-November 6, 1994

Downtown Norwood loses its primary Washington Street retail anchor as Kline’s Department Store begins liquidation, leaving 30 employees displaced and local officials working to preserve commercial vitality.
Washington Street Partnership Discusses Future of Downtown Anchor Kline’s Department Store-October 27, 1994

Facing the potential year-end closure of longtime anchor Kline’s department store, the Norwood Washington Street Partnership and landlord Donald Malkin discussed downtown revitalization strategies.
Downtown Norwood Anchor Kline’s Department Store Faces Imminent Closure by Year’s End Without a Buyer-October 26, 1994

Kline’s Department Store, a 20-year downtown Norwood anchor employing 30 workers, faces closure by the end of 1994 unless a buyer emerges for the 26-store chain.
Norwood Store Still Spins Sales with 45s-October 5, 1992

Peter’s Records One Stop on Route 1 in Norwood continues to thrive as a half-million-dollar wholesale business specializing in vinyl 45s, oldies, and jukebox supplies.
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…
Landmark Town Square Diner Heavily Damaged in Early Morning Kitchen Fire-October 25, 1989

A kitchen fire sparked by a faulty refrigerator motor heavily damaged the Town Square Diner on Nahatan Street, a downtown Norwood landmark owned by George Karafotias for 35 years.
Business Leaders Question “Anti-Commerce” Town Direction-August 15, 1989

Following a 2-2 selectmen vote denying a food license for a $1 million Taco Bell on Route 1, the Neponset Valley Chamber of Commerce warned of an anti-business trend.
Puritan Furniture Draws Smaller Crowd and Steady Bargain Hunters-September 8, 1988

The second day of the federal bankruptcy court-ordered liquidation auction at Puritan Furniture on Lenox Street brings smaller crowds, heavy bargain hunting, and minor shopper disputes.