Norwood planning board approves special permit to convert former Bank of America into eight apartments and retail

The Norwood Planning Board on Jan. 27 approved a special permit and site plan to renovate the former Bank of America building at 699 Washington Street into mixed commercial and residential space, including eight apartments and ground-floor commercial space.

The application, filed by JKM Property 4 LLC and presented by attorney Phil Mackey, sought relief under the town’s Mixed Use Overlay District (MUOD) and site plan review provisions so the vacant bank building could be retrofitted for three two-story townhouse units in the rear, a mix of studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments on the second floor, and commercial space at the front and basement. The board also approved three waivers the applicant requested and attached conditions requiring stormwater infiltration details and future signage review.

Board members and staff said the project preserves the building’s exterior and historic character while reactivating a central Norwood corner. Planning staff and several members of the Norwood Historical Commission spoke in favor of the application during the public hearing, calling it a respectful adaptive reuse of a notable 20th-century bank building.

Applicant presentation and what was approved Phil Mackey, attorney for the applicant, told the board the project preserves the building’s exterior and inserts…