Roger Williams students present survey and recommendations for Fall River Waterfront Cultural District
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Summary
Roger Williams University preservation students presented a survey of eight waterfront sites and recommended expanded National Register research, interpretive panels, and further study; the commission said CPC and a $28,000 matching grant would fund next steps and a $20,000 CLG request for the Bank Street Armory advances to a March 13 state board review.
A team of preservation students from Roger Williams University presented their fall 2025 survey of eight sites in the Fall River Waterfront Cultural District on Tuesday night, outlining new documentation, historical context and recommendations for additional National Register study.
"Our focus this year ... is expanding and updating information about historic resources that are in the Waterfront Cultural District here in Fall River," Professor Elaine Stiles said as she introduced the student report and thanked the commission for hosting the presentation. A student presenter summarized the class’s methods and said the work drew on Massachusetts Historical Commission guidance, the National Register, local archives and historic maps.
Why it matters: The survey highlights dozens of resources tied to the city’s industrial growth — from company-built worker housing tied to the American Linen Company to maritime infrastructure and the Santo Cristo Portuguese parish — and offers potential district expansions and interpretive panels to make the history visible to residents and visitors.
The students framed their findings around four themes: Columbia Street’s Portuguese immigration and commercial history; the Borden family industrial empire; World War II home-front production; and waterfront transportation and commerce. Their presentation noted Columbia Street has decorative sidewalks and surviving company housing that could strengthen a case for a local or National Register district, while Santo Cristo Church (240 Columbia St.) is already listed on the National Register.
The students also presented historical sketches of the Borden firms, Firestone’s wartime rubber production and the Fall River Carousel (PTC No. 54), which the team described as a community landmark restored through local fundraising. The presenters recommended further documentary research and targeted surveys — including additional work on Columbia Street, surviving American Linen Company housing, the Fall River Gas Company and other Borden-associated properties.
City follow-up and funding: Chair Rick Mancini told the commission that Community Preservation Committee (CPC) funding has been awarded and that a matching grant of $28,000 is expected to support continued work tied to the students’ findings. Separately, the commission’s Certified Local Government (CLG) application for the Bank Street Armory — a $20,000 request to fund an in-depth structural and use study — received preliminary approval and will go to a state board for final review on March 13.
Next steps: Professor Stiles told the commission the students and faculty plan additional phases of research and documentation. Commissioners and local partners also discussed archival connections and community walking tours to expand public access to the findings.
The presentation concluded with questions from commissioners and members of the public; the commission recessed for 15 minutes and later returned to routine business. The commission’s next meeting date will be decided after members confirm a date that preserves a quorum.
