Norwood Space Center, Hive of Creative Commerce, to Host Open House This Spring

Norwood Space Center, a hive of creative commerce where business, arts and sciences come together in a dynamic 300,000 square foot mill building is set to launch to the public with a Grand Opening Spring Open House Celebration on Saturday, April 29 from 9:00AM to 4:00PM and Sunday, April 30 from 10:00AM to 4:00PM.

The Grand Opening Spring Open House Celebration at Norwood Space Center marks the completion of the first phase of renovations by 83 Morse LLC, a joint venture between Cathartes LLC, Juliano Enterprises Inc., and real estate developer David DePree.

"Norwood Space Center is designed to attract a new type of business, those creative entrepreneurs and artisans who are looking for a collaborative, non-traditional space that meets the needs of their business," said David DePree. The property's flexible spaces are available for lease and will be showcased through a variety of activities scheduled for the two days.

Vintage Market MA, a pop-up market, will be open in the event space, featuring vintage finds and accessories, unique items for home and garden as well as up cycled furniture and select artisans. The new Planet Self Storage facility will have a gallery of artifacts from the nationally renowned David Bieber Archives, featuring pop culture collectibles and rock and roll memorabilia, and displays from The Sneaker Museum, designed to elevate sneaker art and culture.

In conjunction with ArtWeek Boston, the Grand Opening will feature a series of conversations hosted by Norwood Public Access TV designed to entertain, engage and inform. The talks will offer a behind-the-scenes look at artists and their creative process including a reading by WZLX Boston DJ and music historian Carter Alan, author of The Decibel Diaries. Dr. Patricia Fanning and Josh Kastorf will speak about F. Holland Day and his contribution to art and the birth of the Arts & Crafts movement in America and its ties to Norwood.

In addition, there will be a variety of educational and interactive demonstrations offered by "Mad Science," craft activities with Fireseed Arts supported by Music Drives Us, who will work with kids to repurpose items from school-related music program into musical instruments and more. Reliving the culture of the legendary WBCN Lunchtime Concert, Norwood's School of Rock will perform live both Saturday and Sunday, and food will be available. The Grand Opening Spring Open House is sponsored in part by Planet Self Storage.

Set at the site of the historic mill building, Norwood Space Center builds on a centuries old industrial complex dedicated to commerce and innovation. Originally the home for Bird & Sons roofing business, the complex expanded in the early 1900's to house the company's floor covering manufacturing business. Located conveniently between Boston and Providence, the Norwood Space Center is designed as mixed-use development, where people and businesses can thrive in a community setting using shared work space, self-storage and warehouse space, market space or event space.

Today, the complex is made up of 12 buildings with more than 300,000 square feet of space, which is being rehabilitated in phases. Renovations across the complex will include a new site entrance; renovations of the existing buildings including upgrading facades, doors and windows, lighting and signs; new roofs; new mechanical and electrical systems; and improved exterior lighting and parking.

"Norwood Space Center has a different look and feel than a traditional office building. We've kept the historical character of the building yet designed a flexible space with a creative tenant in mind. We think it will become a destination for businesses," said DePree.

The first phase included the renovation and building of a 66,000 sf space, now the Planet Self-Storage Facility. The second phase of development at Norwood Space Center adds innovative spaces where tenants can lease the types of spaces they need, when they need it. From storefront and showrooms to warehouse storage and smaller, more flexible spaces, tenants can take advantage of flexible arrangements geared towards their business and seasonal needs. There are also shared community spaces and collaborative workspace.

"Our versatility will be on display at the Spring Open House Celebration," continued DePree. "We're looking forward to opening our doors to the entire community."

A ribbon cutting ceremony with Norwood Selectman Helen Abdallah Donohue will kick off the two-day celebration Saturday morning at 9:00AM.

Tenants at The Norwood Space Center already include Aldrich Stone, Baystate Energy Reduction, Cana Home Kitchen & Tile Showcase, Lannan Ship Model Gallery, Percival Beer Company, Puratos Corporation, Little Bird Events, Vanity World, College Town Auto, and the David Bieber Archives. Planet Self Storage provides additional options for tenants with flexible needs, offering brand new self-storage new units available at competitive prices.

The Norwood Space Center is located at 83 Morse Street with easy access from Rtes. 1 and 95, the commuter rail, a range of shopping, restaurants, entertainment and the Automile. For more information, visit www.NorwoodSpaceCenter.com.

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