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
-
The Closing of Stop & Shop in Norwood, Massachusetts – July 18, 1983
On a sweltering summer day in July 1983, the residents of Willow-Wood Terrace apartments in Norwood, Massachusetts, received devastating news: their beloved Stop & Shop supermarket was closing its doors on July 30. The announcement sent shockwaves throughout the community, particularly among the elderly tenants who relied heavily on the convenient location and services offered…
-
Shaw’s Made to End ‘Round-Clock Hours-July 13, 1983
The quaint town of Norwood, nestled in the heart of Massachusetts, was abuzz with controversy on a sweltering summer evening in July 1983. The local selectmen had gathered at their meeting hall to deliberate on a pressing matter that would have far-reaching implications for the community’s residents and businesses alike. At the center of this…
-
Kline’s Department Store Marks Ten Years in Downtown Norwood-July 11, 1983
Kline’s Department Store Celebrates a Decade in Norwood On July 11, 1983, Kline’s Department Store marked a significant milestone, celebrating ten successful years of operation in downtown Norwood. ⠀ When the 25-store retail chain first moved into the building formerly occupied by the Park Snow store, local observers were initially skeptical. At the time, the…
-
In Memoriam: Louis Orent, 94, Founder of Orent Brothers Clothing Store-May 15, 1983
Louis Orent, a pioneering figure in New England retail and a beloved member of the Norwood community, passed away Friday in Hollywood, Florida, at the age of 94. Known widely as the “dean of New England retail clothing merchants,” Mr. Orent leaves behind a legacy defined by entrepreneurship, civic leadership, and decades of service to…
-
Neighbors Demand McDonald’s Shutdown Following Brutal Assault-September 4, 1981
The vicious late-night beating of a local resident by three youths has ignited fierce outrage among homeowners in a residential development off Union Street, prompting an organized neighborhood campaign to demand that selectmen revoke the operating license of the neighboring McDonald’s restaurant located at the corner of Route 1 and Union Street. Arthur Sansone of…
-
Sidewalk Sale in Norwood-July 24, 1981
Dozens of Downtown Norwood Businesses took part on a sidewalk sale.
-
Conservation Commission Approves Proposed Auto Body Shop Near Hawes Brook-August 22, 1979
Despite angry protests from South Norwood residents over flooding and pollution risks near Hawes Brook, the Conservation Commission approved strict environmental conditions for a new auto body shop.
-
Proposed Papa Gino’s to be Dry-August 21, 1979
Facing a neighborhood petition and skeptical selectmen led by Joseph F. Curran and Mary J. Fox, Papa Gino’s application for a beer and wine license on Nahatan Street appears unlikely to pass.
-
Gertrude’s Pastry Shop Owner Bernie Osborne Wins State Award for Maine Maple Pastry and Cherishes Small-Town Family Business-August 19, 1979
Bernie Osborne, owner of Gertrude’s Pastry Shop in Norwood Center, won top honors at the Massachusetts Retail Bakers Association contest with his signature Maine Maple pastry judged by Julia Child.
-
Conservation Commission Faces Angry Residents Over Proposed Washington Street Auto Body Shop-August 8, 1979
Amid fierce opposition from South Norwood homeowners concerned over Hawes Brook flooding and pollution hazards, the Norwood Conservation Commission reviewed safety plans for a proposed auto body shop on Washington Street.
Discover more from Norwood Historical Society
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.