The second phase of the Preservation Society’s exterior preservation efforts at the c. 1833 Dr. Isaac Fiske House on Pine Street received the go-ahead from the Fall River City Council at its June 8, 2021 meeting.

The City Council unanimously voted to approve the FY22 appropriation order recommended by the Community Preservation Committee, which includes $60,000 in Community Preservation Act funds to restore the 13 remaining front façade windows and two basement windows (previously altered), the shutters, and front portico of this historic federal transitional to Greek revival house.

“By improving the front façade of this Underground Railroad site, all Fall River residents and visitors will benefit from the property’s visual, architectural, historical, and aesthetic demonstration,” Board of Directors President James Soule said.

This project will historically restore and/or preserve the front windows and shutters to look and operate as originally intended.

The front portico porch is in poor condition with signs of deterioration in the wood at the base of the columns. The CPA project will deconstruct and reassemble the portico with repairs made in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.

The first phase of the Preservation Society’s Fiske House CPA projects was approved in June 2019 and included the repair and replacement of seven windows and the installation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units for four of the apartments in the historic house.

The total FY22 appropriation order was $1,809,616 for a total of eight projects, including the Preservation Society’s project.

PRIVATE
Fall River Historical Society: Funding for design fee, removal and replacement of EPDM, new PVC membrane, slate roof, gutter replacement, downspout replacements, window repairs, installation of fixed shutters, repair of pilasters and brackets, and painting and repair and painting of the Mansard roof ironwork.

Notre Dame Rectory: Funding to partially fund the elevator.

Dr. Isaac Fiske House: Restore 13 front façade windows and two basement windows (previously altered), the shutters, and front portico.

PUBLIC
Maplewood Park Lighting: Funding to remove six lighting poles and replace with seven new ones, includes all electrical work and permits.

Historic Commission Form B’s: Funding for preparation of Form B’s in the Steep Brook and East side of Fall River.

Article 97 Protections: Funding to prepare Article 97 protections for unprotected properties located in the Bio-Reserve.

North Burial Ground: Funding to refurbish the iron gates at the entrance to the cemetery.

Fall River Fire Museum: Funding for roof replacement with a material in compliance with the Secretary of Interior standards, replace gutters and downspouts, and repointing the chimney.