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

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