Norumbega Tower Repairs

DCR is investing in masonry repairs and access/safety improvements to Norumbega Tower in the Charles River Reservation in Weston.

Norumbega Tower Repairs and Improvements

Norumbega Tower is a 38'-tall masonry tower constructed in 1889 near the Charles River in Weston to commemorate the alleged location of an 11^th-century Norse fort and city.  It has been managed by the Commonwealth since 1922 and is accessible to the public for recreational purposes as part of the Charles River Reservation.

The tower masonry is deteriorated due to mortar loss, cracked or missing stones, and vandalism.  DCR is in the process of undertaking masonry repairs and cleaning, installing new grates and lockable gates in the window/door openings, adding interior and exterior handrails, and constructing a new accessible path to the tower from Norumbega Road.  A new interpretive panel will enable visitors to enjoy the view from the top without having to climb the tower and puts the myth of the Viking settlement at the site in its proper context.

East Coast Masonry & Restoration mobilized on site in September 2025, installing scaffolding around the tower, and began work in October.  Work is anticipated to be completed by the end of May 2026.  The project cost is $835,400.

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Project Team

Design Consultants

Architect: Beacon Architectural Associates (Boston, MA)

Engineering: Simpson, Gumpertz & Heger (Waltham, MA)

Landscape Architecture:  Ray Dunetz Landscape Architects (Jamaica Plain, MA)

Contractor

East Coast Masonry & Restoration (Johnston, RI)