Historical Commission paves way for a new Sweetgreen, discusses coming losses at Fernald property

The Historical Commission signed off on Sweetgreen Boston LLC’s latest step toward a new Waltham location, and warned of the implications of a city plan to relocate the Department of Public Works to the former Fernald State School.

Michael Connors, representing Sweetgreen, asked the commission to sign off on a development prospectus for a new building, readdressed as 96 Tower Road so emergency-responders would be able to locate it, within the 1265 Main Street commercial development. 

The commission had previously reviewed the building in June in connection with a Cava restaurant proposal, and once again, they unanimously found the site not historically significant. Sweetgreen can now proceed with their development process, which includes appearing before Conservation Commission and applying for a fast-food permit. 

Fernald campus: no vote, but growing concern

Commission chair Mort Isaacson brought a concern to the group regarding tentative plans to move the Department of Public Works to the historic property. 

Though the plan was initially presented at a June City Council meeting, Isaacson said that no one had contacted any Historical Commission members, and he had to obtain the details secondhand from Ward 6 Councilor Sean T. Durkee. 

“This is something the city has needed for a long time. There are good reasons to do it. Unfortunately, it is probably going to involve the demolition of some historic buildings,” Isaacson said. 

These historic structures include the West Building, which was partly built by Fernald residents themselves, which Isaacson says has a “great deal of historic value.” Unfortunately, he said, the building is crumbling and is “a ruin,” and will likely be demolished. 

Isaacson also pointed out the Howe Library, which has remained in decent shape throughout the decades, despite some significant vandalism.