The commission devoted attention to the ongoing restoration projects at Globe Mills, Notre Dame Rectory, and Union Belt, among others. These projects are part of a broader effort to preserve the city’s historical architecture through the Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund and historic tax credit applications. The members expressed unanimous support for these initiatives, approving letters of support for multiple projects. Emily Domani of Ryan LLC shared updates on the Sanford Spinning project, revealing that construction is slated to begin by late spring 2025. Meanwhile, at the Notre Dame Rectory, remediation efforts have commenced, with construction expected to start by mid-2025. Despite concerns about project delays, the commission approved continued support for these endeavors.

Further discussion centered on the Globe Mills project, which recently received phase two approval from the National Park Service. Construction is planned to start in the third quarter of 2026, with operations expected by early 2028.

In addition to endorsing restoration efforts, the commission addressed the potential development of an online system to make historical data more accessible to the public. The initiative aims to streamline the approval process for registering significant structures and promote the benefits of nominating properties for protection against demolition.

The meeting also highlighted the commission’s plans for community outreach in 2025. Scheduled initiatives include collaborating with local realtor associations to enhance understanding of historic districts and organizing events for Preservation Month in May. These efforts are designed to foster greater community involvement in preserving Fall River’s historical landmarks.

Attention was given to the Adarac Farm and Bank Street Armory, where design and structural integrity concerns were raised. The commission discussed the potential impact of proposed changes on future funding opportunities and the need for thorough evaluations to ensure compliance with historical preservation standards.

The election of officers for 2025 saw a continuation of the current leadership, with unanimous support for the re-election of key positions.

The meeting concluded with a focus on enhancing the commission’s digital presence, recognizing the need for regular updates to engage the community effectively. The commission plans to revitalize its Facebook page and explore new ways to connect with citizens and stakeholders.