Norwood Selectmen, Historical Commission Debate Morse House Fate

NORWOOD, MA - After some pointed debate, the Norwood Board of Selectmen at its meeting Tuesday night decided not to approve a proposal from the Norwood Historical Commission requesting $449,000 from the Community Preservation Commission funding for a design study to renovate the historic George Henry Morse House.

The board agreed to discuss the creation of a subcommittee to discuss what should be done with the property at its meeting on Nov. 30.

The property, located at 1285 Washington St., was the first house built in Norwood in 1678 by Ezra Morse. His descendant, George Morse, tore the original structure down and built the current building in 1868 in roughly the same location. This property currently is owned by the town.

Toni Eosco from the Historical Commission presented a proposal that needed approval by the Board of Selectmen in order for it to go forward to the Community Preservation Committee to determine its eligibility for funding through the Community Preservation Act (CPA). It called a design study for the full rehabilitation of the house and the reconfiguration of its second floor to allow for a larger meeting space. The building would have to be made compliant under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as well as energy efficiency codes.

"It's for complete design funds, continency and an owner's project manager," Eosco said. The request is for $435,680, with the expected final cost of the reconstruction at $1.6 million.

The proposal also calls for the creation of a George Henry Morse House subcommittee, with members from stakeholders including the Historical Commission, the Finance Commission, and the Capital Outlay Committee to shape the full restoration plan.

Board Chair Thomas Maloney questioned whether support for this initial request implies that the entire renovation project would move forward.

"Eventually," Eosco said.

She quoted the findings of a feasibility study published by the Gienapp Company recommending that the house should be saved. It has several historic features of interest, including a beehive oven built in 1688 from the original home that a representative from "This Old House" offered to restore.

The most impactful statement in the Gienapp report came from a statement from the structural engineering company, TLH Consulting of Billerica.

"In conclusion, the existing structure appears to be in fair to good condition, in our opinion," Eosco read from the report. "Repairs are needed and required to preserve the integrity of this structure."

Historical Commission member Cheryl Doyle said that the occupancy number would have to be capped at 49 people to keep it from being determined by the building code as "a place of assembly." Going over that number would trigger additional building requirements and fire codes.

"That's why the professionalism of an architect is absolutely necessary," added Eosco as she advocated for the proposal's approval.

Selectman Helen Donohue noted that the house had been used as a meeting place during the past 20 years. The work that had been performed by volunteers to bring it to usable condition was funded by private donations. However, it is not safe to use in its current state.

"It's been a place for meetings, a wedding, and all kinds of events," she said, stressing that the money used would be allocated from the CPA. She noted the Morse House is one of only two historic structures left in Norwood.

Eosco pointed out that the Morse House is in South Norwood, which is not only an area of historical significance but also an environmental justice community because it serves people who have been marginalized.

"As a matter of historic justice, South Norwood should have this house rehabilitated for all of Norwood's citizens," she stressed. "It embodies all of Norwood - all 150 years. It's the people's house and the premise on which it was given to the town."

The town will be celebrating its sesquicentennial next year with a year-long array of celebrations and activities.

She noted that right now the steam heating system is inefficient, there is a roof leak, and the foundation would need repair. Public and private donations would be sought in addition to CPA funds.

Maloney said that it was a question of how to prioritize CPA money allocated by the CPC. CPA funds can be designated for three purposes: to preserve open space and historic sites, to create affordable housing, and to develop outdoor recreational facilities. He said that money committed to that project cannot be spent on other projects people may prefer.

"First of all, I'm not as enthusiastic about the historical significance of the house as some others are; I'm just not," he explained. "You're asking for a lot of money to pay homage to a family that was here in the 1600s and 1700s."

The important factor, Eosco stressed, is that the town already owns the property and should strive to maintain it. It also is constructed with Italianate architecture, which was popular in that era. She envisioned part of it as a museum to display historic articles.

Selectman William Plasko said the study did not contain multiple options for the building's use.

"I can't go forward without knowing what I'm going forward for," he said. "The layout doesn't offer enough options and use for the building for the amount of money we're talking about spending.

"I think it's going to continue to be used as it has been- which I hate to be crude - a meeting space and clubhouse for a small number of citizens. And I don't see that after we spend all this money that we're going to increase its use all that much to get a return for it."

While the board didn't approve the proposal as presented, members talked about the potential of including an addition that could be used as a function hall and meeting space.

"If you really want to get practical use out of this space, maybe you have to take it big," Maloney said. "I'd rather spend $4 million on that for $1.6 million on this."

An addition could include meeting space for public boards and committees because the conditions at Town Hall are cramped.

"I think what we have to do now is preserve what we have," countered Donohue.

Doyle noted that there has never been put into a CPA project with historical use, whereas other approved projects for open space and playgrounds were approved. She also thought the larger proposal might be "biting off more than we can chew." Adding onto the proposal would mean missing this year's CPC application deadline next week.

The Historical Commission members agreed that creating a subcommittee would be beneficial.