Historic Building Restoration Project Gains Momentum Before Winter

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the restoration of a historic building in Fall River, focusing on the preservation of its original features. The project, which aims to restore the building's door and windows, is set to begin as soon as possible, with hopes of completion before winter. Michael Page, president of the fire museum associated with the building, confirmed that funding from the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) has already been secured, and the necessary drawings are ready for implementation.

The meeting highlighted the importance of maintaining the building's historical integrity, particularly regarding the door, which has been identified as a non-original feature. Discussions revealed that while the door appears to be old, it is not the original, and efforts will be made to reproduce it as closely as possible to its historical design. The timeline for the project includes replacing the roof and addressing other structural issues to prevent further deterioration.

Officials noted that the project has faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected funding estimates and timelines. However, the CPC has extended the funding period by two years, allowing for additional work to be completed.

A motion was passed to provide a letter of support for the project, which is necessary for filing the Massachusetts project notification form. This letter will assist in the submission process to ensure compliance with historical preservation standards. The meeting concluded with a commitment to keep the project on track and maintain communication regarding any further developments.