In recent months The Preservation Society of Fall River has celebrated a pair of achievements cementing its impact in protecting the historical look of the city.
In April the organization’s Dr. Isaac Fiske House at 263 Pine Street was added to the National Park Services’ National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom for its role in the emancipation of slaves prior to the Civil War.
The Fiske House is now one of 700 sites across the country as part of the Network to Freedom. The house is currently being renovated with the goal of creating seven affordable and market-rate rental units within the city’s protected historic district.
The Fiske House is one of three properties owned by The Preservation Society that are being converted to new housing. The others are at 95 June Street and 148 Purchase Street.
In May the organization collaborated with the city’s Historical Commission to release Fall River’s first Preservation Design Guidelines aimed at providing assistance on how to maintain historical structures.
Mr. Soule says the guidelines provide a path for owners to retain the historic provenance of their homes.
Mr. Soule says along with its restoration projects, The Preservation Society is also looking to support local historical education initiatives.
You can view and download the Preservation Design Guidelines on the organization’s website.
Important work, and in five different ways: preserving, beautifying and promoting a historic property, creating new housing (including some at affordable rates), and returning it to the tax rolls! A win for our city, across the board!
Thank you, Keith, for your station’s outstanding coverage.