Preservation Society of Fall River Purchases 1845 John Read House

In partnership with the administration of Mayor Paul Coogan and Fall River’s Community Development Agency (CDA), the Preservation Society of Fall River, Inc., is pleased to announce the purchase of its second property – the c. 1845 John Read House located at 95 June Street.

“Purchasing the historic John Read House marks a momentous occasion for the Preservation Society as we acquire our second historic home, our first as a Community Housing Development Organization,” said Jim Soule, President of the Preservation Society’s Board of Directors.

In March 2021, the Preservation Society received official designation as a Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) under the HOME Investment Partnerships Program by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.

“Our dual mission of historic preservation and as a CHDO allows us to save older housing stock while improving those older homes and their neighborhoods,” Soule said. “We’re beyond thrilled that the administration and CDA recognize and support this vision.”

The Preservation Society will oversee rehabilitation of the three-unit house, which is currently vacant, with an emphasis on preserving historical characteristics of the property and, by extension, the neighborhood around it. As part of the agreement, all units in the property will be rented as affordable housing for a minimum of 15 years.

The CHDO designation enables the Preservation Society to better serve its mission to protect and preserve Fall River’s historic properties while incorporating the vision of Fall River’s Master Plan and Downtown Urban Renewal Plan, which calls for support of the city’s older and historic homes and properties.

The Preservation Society purchased its first property in 2018, the c. 1833 Dr. Isaac Fiske House – an Underground Railroad Station on Pine Street. It’s currently maintained as a multi-unit property with plans for a future museum.