A key discussion of the meeting centered on a significant correction to the historic record for the property on Indiantown Road. Dorothy Pierce had submitted an inquiry to rectify the listing in the register of significant structures. The house, previously misidentified as the Crank House, should correctly be named the Fanny Perry House. This structure is the last remaining building within the Indian Reservation granted to the Pocasset Wampanoag Tribe in 1709. The commission acknowledged the property’s historical importance and agreed to update the records with the new name and add a note recognizing Pocasset history. They decided no formal motion was required to proceed with this correction and would follow up with Pierce to confirm their decision.

Another topic was the rehabilitation of the Fall River Fire Museum on North Main Street. Paul Rico of SC Architects presented the museum’s request for a letter of support for a Community Preservation Act grant. The museum, which also houses the Fall River Animal Control Office, needs window and exterior vestibule replacements. Rico plans to replicate the original windows using aluminum-clad materials painted in a historically appropriate dark green color. The commission discussed the necessity of reviewing final designs before approval to ensure they matched the original style. This project highlights the commission’s collaborative approach to preserving the building’s historical integrity while allowing for essential renovations.

The commission also deliberated on a significant rehabilitation project for the Globe Yarn Mills on Globe Street. Ed Hamzoun from Masan Capital outlined plans to convert the historic mill, constructed in 1881, into 89 market-rate residential units. This project is under review by the Massachusetts Historical Commission, with applications submitted for federal and state historic tax credits. The commission discussed the need for selective demolition of modern additions that do not align with the mill’s historical character, emphasizing that any demolition would require a six-month delay due to the property’s National Register designation. The commission expressed support for the project, noting the positive impact of ongoing investments in the Globe Village area.

In another notable discussion, the commission reviewed rehabilitation plans for the Drome Boarding House on Rock Street. Diane Carer, vice principal of the Antioch School, presented a plan to replace the wood shingles with Western red cedar shingles, which will maintain the historical appearance of the building. The commission’s approval was necessary for accessing grant funding from the Community Preservation Act. A motion to issue a certificate of appropriateness for the replacement shingles was unanimously approved by the members present.

The commission also addressed several requests for letters of support for historic tax credit applications. These included properties such as the Wyoming Mills on Chase Street, Flint Mills on Alden Street, and the Dery Trust Building at 80-84 North Main Street. Nan from Heritage Consulting provided updates on these projects. Additionally, Ryan LLC’s applications for Stafford Spinning Mills on Globe Mills, Union Belt Building on Troy Street, and Notre Dame Rectory on Eastern Avenue were discussed, with Emily from Ryan providing updates. The commission collectively supported these applications, recognizing their importance in preserving the city’s historic structures.

Further discussions included property nominations for historical status. Among these was the private William H. Smithson house on Beacon Street, nominated by homeowner Christopher Peckham. The house, constructed around 1877, was identified as a Greek Revival structure with significant historical context. Another nomination included the Aspiro Santo School on Everett Street and Alden Street, recognized as the first Portuguese parochial school in the United States. Both nominations received unanimous approval from the commission.

Under old business, updates were provided on the Bank Street Armory, now under city council control, and the demolition delay ordinance amendment, which extends the delay from six to twelve months for city-owned properties. The commission also discussed the Certified Local Government (CLG) application, noting changes required by the National Park Service regarding the appointment of board members, which would affect the application process.

As the meeting concluded, the commission reviewed the status of surveys related to the CLG project and planned further outreach efforts. They also discussed funding and progress for the Steep Brook Bio Reserve project, noting upcoming walk-throughs and historical research opportunities.