56 Water Street Study

Fall River, MA

The existing building located at 56 Water Street is what remains of a 3 ½ story Greek Revival Style masonry building, constructed around 1845. From 1853 to 1876, it served as the headquarters for the Metacomet Bank, later becoming part of the American Printing Company complex.  From the 1880s through the early 1930s, the building was used as a storehouse for the printing company and later served as their offices for several years. In 1937, American Printing Company complex, including the building on the corner of Water and Anawan Street, was purchased by the Firestone Tire & Rubber Company. On October 11, 1941, the upper stories of the building were destroyed in a massive fire that started in the mills across the street. The remnants of the upper floors were removed, resulting in the one story structure seen today.

Civitects PC was asked to create an existing conditions study and preservation plan for the building located at the corner of Water and Anawan Streets in Fall River, Massachusetts. Our existing conditions evaluation began with a survey of the property, observing elements of the building such as the condition of the masonry, mortar joints, windows, doors, and other architectural features. Civitects also researched the building utilization history using resources such as maps, newspaper clippings, and historic photographs. Based on our observations, recommendations were made intended to preserve the quality and aesthetics of the historic fabric following the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and the National Parks Service’s Preservation Briefs.