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Launched in 2011 by an act of the state legislature, Cultural Districts drive economic growth, strengthen our distinctive local character, and improve the quality of life of families across Massachusetts. By supporting arts, humanities, and science organizations, Cultural Districts attract tourists and entrepreneurs, which in turn help communities foster their cultural sector and expand their tax base. And that benefits everyone.

Fall River Waterfront Cultural District Approved; 50 Distinct Hubs of Cultural, Artistic and Economic Activity Now Authorized Statewide

The governing board of the Mass Cultural Council has approved the proposed Fall River Waterfront Cultural District. This state designation will help stimulate new arts and cultural activity and attract creative businesses for the City.

"Congratulations to Fall River, Mass Cultural Council's 50th Cultural District," said Anita Walker, Executive Director, Mass Cultural Council. "With this designation the City becomes eligible for additional economic development resources for municipalities, including state tax credits and grant funding."

"I am honored that the Mass Cultural Council has named Fall River as their 50th Cultural District," said Mayor Paul E. Coogan. "The financial support opportunities and additional resources for the arts and culture community will allow our waterfront to continue to improve and expand."

Mass Cultural Council administers Cultural Districts on behalf of the Commonwealth, established in 2011 through an act of the state Legislature. This initiative enables state-designated Cultural Districts to drive economic growth, strengthen the influence of distinctive local character, and improve the quality of life across Massachusetts in our communities.

The Fall River Waterfront Cultural District is in the City's waterfront. The boundaries run along the shore of the Taunton River, bordered by Commonwealth Landing to the north, following Davol Street in the east, and ending in the area of Columbia Street to the south. These boundaries were drawn to include important cultural assets such as the Gates of the City, the Maritime Museum at Battleship Cove, Fall River Heritage State Park, Borden Light Marina, and Veterans Memorial Bicentennial Park.

Fall River's Creative Arts Network, Inc. (C.A.N.) shepherded this initiative locally, securing municipal support and Council approval, over a five-year timeframe.
"Creative Arts Network, is pleased to have played a pivotal role in securing this critical designation for the City of Fall River. C.A.N.-sustained leadership over the past five years insured the successful approval of a Cultural District that will greatly contribute to the development and economic revitalization of Fall River's waterfront," said David and Sandra Dennis, Co-Founders, Creative Arts Network.
Mass Cultural Council now supports 50 state-designated Cultural Districts from the Berkshires to Bristol County. A geographic balance in the location of state-designated Cultural Districts exists, as they are in the Berkshires, the Pioneer Valley, Worcester County, MetroWest, Metro Boston, North of Boston, Southern Mass., and the Cape and Islands.

"Simply by viewing a map of Massachusetts' state-designated Cultural Districts one can see the power of culture working in every corner of the Commonwealth," said Walker.



Starting at the northern property line of Commonwealth Landing and Remington Street heading south along the edge of the waterfront to Ferry St. Ramp, then south on Almond St. to Broadway Ext., then NE on Broadway Ext. to Columbia St. , then all abutting properties along Columbia St heading West to South Main. Then back along Columbia St. to Ferry St., then North along Broadway Ext. to Davol St., then North on Davol St. to the northern property line of the Commonwealth Landing, then West to the point of beginning.

On the National Register:

Battleship Cove U.S.S. Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. (DD‐850) 1945 Destroyer
Battleship Cove U.S.S. Lionfish 1943 Submarine
Battleship Cove U.S.S. Massachusetts 1939
Battleship Cove PT BOAT 796 (torpedo boat) 1945 Patrol Torpedo Boat
Battleship Cove Fall River Carousel c 1920
Battleship Cove Torpedo Boat PT‐617 1945 Motor Torpedo Boat
Battleship Cove USS Fall River (CA‐131) 1944 Cruiser Bow
240 Columbia St. Santo Christo Church 1924
1082 Davol St. Mechanics Mill ‐ Main Mill Weetamoe Mill c 1868 Italianate
1082 Davol St. Mechanics Mill ‐ Picker House Weetamoe Mill 1868
1082 Davol St. Mechanics Mill ‐ Boiler House Weetamoe Mill 1868
1082 Davol St. Mechanics Mill ‐ 1873 Addition Weetamoe Mill c 1873
1082 Davol St. Mechanics Mill ‐ Modern Addition Weetamoe Mill

On the Fall River Register of Significant Structures:

45 Anawan St. Fall River Gas Works Fuel Oil Storage tank c 1933
45 Anawan St. Fall River Gas Works Engine Room Building c 1905
45 Anawan St. Fall River Gas Works Office ‐ Storage Building Fall River Gas Works Coal Gas Purifier Building c 1888
45 Anawan St. Fall River Gas Works Coal House Fall River Iron Works Coal Gas Facility c 1877
45 Anawan St. Fall River Gas Works Concrete Block Garage r 1965
45 Anawan St. Fall River Gas Works concrete Block Utility Building r 1965
45 Anawan St. Fall River Gas Works Corrugated Utility Building r 1965
131 Canal St. c 1840 Greek Revival
80 Columbia St. 1875 Second Empire
118 Columbia St. c 1850
240 Columbia St. Santo Christo Church 1924 Neo Gothic Revival
120‐134 Columbia St. c 1850 Greek Revival; Row House
1082 Davol St. Mechanics Mill ‐ Main Mill Weetamoe Mill c 1868 Italianate
1082 Davol St. Mechanics Mill ‐ Picker House Weetamoe Mill 1868
1082 Davol St. Mechanics Mill ‐ Boiler House Weetamoe Mill 1868
1082 Davol St. Mechanics Mill ‐ 1873 Addition Weetamoe Mill c 1873
1082 Davol St. Mechanics Mill ‐ Modern Addition Weetamoe Mill
Davol St. Pardee's Wharf
75 Ferry St. American Linen Co. Cotton Store House ca. 1860
199‐207 Pocasset St. Herald News Building 1911, 1928
2 Water St. Old Colony Railroad Museum 1926, 45 & 53 Train
5 Water St. U.S. Navy Quonset Hut #1935 PT Boat
63 Water St. Station of the Fall River Electric Light Company 1922
70 Water St. American Printing Co. Machine & Carpentry Shop - Marine Museum ca. 1890
Water St. Water Street Bridge 1905 Plate Girder

On the State Register:

Battleship Cove U.S.S. Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. (DD‐850) 1945 Destroyer
Battleship Cove U.S.S. Lionfish 1943 Submarine
Battleship Cove U.S.S. Massachusetts 1939
Battleship Cove PT BOAT 796 (torpedo boat) 1945 Patrol Torpedo Boat
Battleship Cove Fall River Carousel c 1920
Battleship Cove Torpedo Boat PT‐617 1945 Motor Torpedo Boat
Battleship Cove USS Fall River (CA‐131) 1944 Cruiser Bow
240 Columbia St. Santo Christo Church 1924 Neo Gothic Revival
1082 Davol St. Mechanics Mill ‐ Main Mill Weetamoe Mill c 1868 Italianate
1082 Davol St. Mechanics Mill ‐ Picker House Weetamoe Mill 1868
1082 Davol St. Mechanics Mill ‐ Boiler House Weetamoe Mill 1868
1082 Davol St. Mechanics Mill ‐ 1873 Addition Weetamoe Mill c 1873
1082 Davol St. Mechanics Mill ‐ Modern Addition Weetamoe Mill