Norwood hires preservation firm to study MBTA-owned Central Railroad station

The Norwood Historical Commission heard that the town has contracted Spencer Preservation Group to conduct a feasibility and restoration study for the Norwood Central Railroad Station, a building owned by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).

Commission chair Judith Howerwood said arrangements have been made to meet with MBTA representatives about the building. Michael Rosen, assistant town manager and the commission’s new liaison, told members the contractor is “a very experienced firm” and said he “anticipates having something for the commission by the end of the calendar year.” Rosen also said he connected the preservation architect with MBTA staff and Brainstone, the MBTA’s marketing firm, “so they’ve been able to connect and provide whatever access is necessary.”

The update did not include a cost or schedule beyond the contractor’s expectation to deliver a draft by year-end. Commissioners agreed to arrange an on-site meeting with MBTA representatives and the consultant to review access and next steps. No formal vote or funding action occurred during the meeting.

The commission also noted that a separate owner of an adjacent property had received letters of support from the commission and the Board of Selectmen for a Massachusetts historic tax credit application; that matter is distinct from the MBTA-owned station but was raised in the same staff update.

Members asked to be kept informed as the consultant produces deliverables and to receive copies of any draft reports for review before the consultant’s final submission.