Photo: Chris Fama/WBZ NewsRadio
NORWOOD, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Almost two years after torrential rain and flooding closed Norwood Hospital, demolition crews started to bring down building on Friday. Officials say a new facility will replace the old one, stand at more than 400,000 square feet, and include emergency services, ten operating rooms, imaging services, and outpatient services.
WBZ's Chris Fama stood outside the job site, where more than a dozen onlookers reflected on their time spent with the hospital in the middle of a summer drizzle.
Kathy Finn, a former nurse at Norwood Hospital, watched as crews moved in on the vacant building with cranes and bulldozers.
"I want them to hurry up— because I want to come back and work, but it's hard to see because I probably took care of patients on that third floor and back room," Finn said pointing to a corner room that was left without walls and a ceiling.
Massachusetts State Representative John Rogers says he also has a special connection to Norwood Hospital.
"I was born here, my daughters were born here— it's a very real measure of progress that the people haven't seen. I think once the construction workers start showing up externally and internally the local businesses will benefit right away," Roger said.
Read More: Claws Off New England: N.H. Distillery Infuses Invasive Crab Into Whiskey
In terms of the timetable on demolition and construction, General Town Manager Tony Mazzucco says we're still years out from a new hospital.
"We're still looking at about two years— demo should take about a couple of months, but remember, they're demoing the entire building and clearing the entire site, and installing an entire new storm water system and underground infrastructure. It's a major, major project for the Town," Mazzucco said.
WBZ's Chris Fama (CFamaWBZ) reports.
Follow WBZ NewsRadio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | iHeartmedia App