Westfield

Dec 17 2010

Westfield MA Construction Update- Park Square Town Green

As a resident and real estate agent in Westfield, MA I can tell you first hand what a pain in the bum this year’s construction has been.

Not only is it making for even more traffic going North and South in Westfield, but downtown the Town Green, Elm Street, Broad Street and Main Street have all been under major construction, too.

This spring I had to buy a new set of tires because I hit a hole in the road under construction on Main Street and I resorted to working from home most of the summer and fall as Park Square Realty is located on Elm Street, Westfield where there was massive roadwork. My nine year old wants to create a petition that prevents there from being more than two road projects at a time…I guess she is tired of sitting in the traffic, too!

A major sadness throughout this process has been the demolition of our town green. The large trees and fountain were removed, the entire area bulldozed and it has become a construction center with piles of rocks and dirt and machines on it.

Tonight the Westfield City Council approved the 1.9 million dollar Town Green project, including a much contested $350,000 gazebo. The full story from Masslive.com can be seen here.

Now I am really not sure how big a gazebo has to be to cost $350,000. I have sold some really nice homes in that price point. I wonder if the gazebo is going to have granite counter tops and a jacuzzi tub?

I am, like most Westfield, MA residents, really looking forward to the day that they complete these projects and get our Town Green returned to us. Here is a cool 3D flyby virtual video of the completed project to tide you over while we endure more construction:

Dec 09 2010

Whips, Pure Foods Murder, Bicycles and Normal Schools: Westfield, MA

: Image via Wikipedia

Westfield, MA has a long and diverse history. As one of the largest cities in Massachusetts by land mass, it has experienced a lot of changes over the course of time.

The history involves whips, murders over pure food, the creation of equal higher education, bicycles and parks.

What began as a largely agricultural outcropping for Springfield has matured into a thriving city that has offered much to local and national history.

Known as the Whip City because of the large buggy whip industry that was focused here during the 19th Century, there is still one major supplier of whips housed here.

In the early 20th century, Westfield was at the center of the Pure Food movement, an effort to require stricter standards on the production of food. Louis B. Allyn, a Westfield resident and professor, lived in Westfield until his murder in 1940. Allyn was outspoken and determined to warn people against foods that were harmful to them. He even went up against the Coca Cola company when he tried to warn parents to not let their children drink this beverage, which at the time contained the addictive and harmful drug cocaine. His murder remains the only unsolved murder in Westfield, MA. In 1906, Congress passed the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906.

Another famous Westfield company is the Columbia Bicycle Factory. With a branch located in Westfield since 1896, there has been much innovation and contribution to our area by this company.

Rounding out the wonderful culture and history of Westfield, MA is what is now known as Westfield State University. Founded in 1838 by educator and social reformer Horace Mann who wanted to foster public co-educational college in America without barrier to race, gender and economic class. The journey from there encompassed the names: “Westfield Teachers College”, “Westfield State College” and in 2010 it was dubbed Westfield State University.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the lovely and historic Grandmothers’ Garden and Stanley Park. Both of these lovely public spaces bring joy and beauty to the residents and visitors of Westfield, MA.

As a REALTOR in Westfield, MA since 1988 and a resident of Westfield since 1987, I take great pride in sharing some of the culture, history and charm of my hometown.

Lesley Lambert, Park Square Realty, Westfield MA 413.575.3611

Dec 09 2010

Westfield, MA Real Estate Market Report December 2010

: Image via Wikipedia

What a year it has been for the Westfield, MA real estate market! We started off a wee bit slow, then got hectic with the first time home buyer credit. We spent the summer wondering where the buyers were even as interest rates went to all time historic lows and now when it is usually slow for the holidays we are hustling to help buyers get into homes for the New Year! As a real estate agent with Park Square Realty in Westfield, MA I have experienced a lot of difficult markets, but this year really takes the prize.

It can’t be described as a normal year in the real estate market of Western Massachusetts, but Westfield came out with good news at the end of the year.

This report will show you that home values are up in Westfield, in fact they are significantly higher than Agawam, West Springfield and Holyoke. Additionally, distressed home sales and foreclosure filings are down in Westfield. These two factors combined forecast improved conditions for Westfield, MA home owners.

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View more documents from Lesley Lambert.

If you would like more information on the Westfield, MA real estate market conditions, a market report for your home or information on buying or selling a home in Westfield, MA 01085, I am here to help!

Lesley Lambert, Park Square Realty, Westfield MA a real estate agent in Westfield, MA since 1988! 413-575-3611 or lesleylambert@parksquarerealty.com

Dec 05 2010

A Dickens of a Day Off in Westfield, MA

I have lived, worked as a REALTOR and studied at Westfield State University in Westfield, MA since 1988. I like it here for so many reasons, but I realized yesterday that I don’t get many days off to enjoy it as I would like to.

Yesterday serendipity brought me to the “Dickens’ Days” festivities and I immersed myself into the best that my city has to offer.

I started by popping into the craft fair at the YMCA. As soon as I stepped in the door I was greeted by a lifelong friend of mine (and past client), Jeanne, who was selling her beautiful wreaths.

Walking through the fair there were lots of expected wares, but many unusual, as well. Everyone was in a great mood and smiles were a staple. After purchasing some crystal snowman earrings for my daughters I found a table selling locally produced goat cheese. This was the yummiest chevre I have had in a long time and at a super affordable price, too. I will be visiting their farm store for more very soon!

The holiday stroll included many other stops throughout town and I prioritized a couple that I had been wanting to visit for some time. The first was the bead store in town where I bought a few supplies for a project and the second was a wine shop called the Grape Crusher.

Located very close to Park Square Realty in Westfield, MA, I had been meaning to look into this store, but hadn’t had the time. I am very glad I made the time yesterday. Locally owned by a very friendly family, this shop specializes in carrying wines and micro brews that other stores in the area may not have. There was a wine tasting and as I sipped my wine and chatted with the owner I admired their wine gift baskets and noticed they had customized six packs of wine for a super reasonable price. These bags feature six pre-selected wines that normally sell for $10 and up. The bags run between $37 and $50 making them a great deal!

Following this lovely visit I stopped at “My Favorite Things” a consignment/vintage/antique store on Elm Street and then headed to The Tavern to treat myself to lunch.

As I parked for The Tavern I noticed that The First Church had a boutique and I decided to take a peek. After perusing the boutique I sat in on a few songs by a youth choir….wonderful stuff for putting me in a Christmas spirit!

Off to a late lunch at The Tavern where they have a toy train going around their tree above the bar area. I love the atmosphere in the bar, which is the historic post office building and retains most of the original architecture.

Later that evening Morriss and I headed to the Westfield Theater’s version of “A Christmas Carol” which featured our good friends Kelly and Tom Galanis. The production was very well done and Tom and Kelly had wonderful featured roles that they performed winningly.

All in all it was a wonderful day in my beloved Westfield, MA filled with the warmth of the holiday spirit. I am grateful for this day and for allowing myself the freedom to follow the Holiday stroll. The organizers of “Dicken’s Days” should be very proud of the spirit and pride they bring to the residents of Westfield, MA.

Dec 01 2010

Holiday Events in Westfield, MA

photo credit: TinyTall

The holidays are in high gear already in Westfield, MA and there are many festive events on the schedule over the course of the next few weeks.

Years ago I was on the committee that first created “Dickens Days”. It began as a tour of Westfield’s historic homes and changed over the course of the years, but remains a great holiday staple.

In its current incarnation it features craft fairs, plays, dinners and more. Be sure to visit Westfield on Weekends and “The District Westfield” page for detailed schedules and information on Dicken’s Days in Westfield, MA.

On December 3, 2010 Gerald Charles Dickens, the great-great-grandson of Charles Dickens, performing his acclaimed one-man version of the classic Christmas tale. He entertains and delights, depicting 26 characters with just a table, wing chair, and a hat rack!

Beginning December 3, 2010 the Westfield Theater Group will be featuring “A Christmas Carol”

On December 4, 2010 the Westfield Athenaeum will present a FREE viewing of Disney’s “A Christmas Carol” which features choreography by Westfield native, Michelle Weber!

On December 16, 2010 The School Street Bistro will feature a Christmas Carol dinner that sounds interactive and fun and is bound to be tasty!

Do you know of other events in town? Leave a comment!

Happy Holidays from your Westfield MA Real Estate Agent, Lesley Lambert of Park Square Realty 413-575-3611

Westfield

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