Major Projects
SOUTHCOAST LIFE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY PARK AT FALL RIVER
including Massachusetts Accelerator for Biomanufacturing (MAB)
The MAB, one of only two in U.S., allows companies to test biomanufacturing processes, train current and future workforce members and provide a unique research facility at production scale. It serves clients with biologic therapeutic products, new types of stem cells and tissue engineering as well as biomaterials, biofuels and green chemistry products. Companies locating at the 300-acre SouthCoast Life Science and Technology Park can access multiple state and local financial incentives to help grow their business and workforce.
The Route 79 ‘Spaghetti Ramps’ along Davol Street have served as a barrier between Fall River’s Downtown and its waterfront. Mass. Dept of Transportation is now demolishing the ramps, reconnecting downtown to a waterfront that is attracting new investment, from restaurants to ferry service to Block Island. Demolition will be completed by late 2016.
DEMOLITION OF RTE. 79 RAMPS
SOUTH COAST RAIL - Returning Passenger Service to Fall River
With the state's recent approval of an $11 billion Transportation and Rail Bond, including $2 billion for SouthCoast Rail, work is moving forward to finally bring passenger service back to Fall River (see station plan picture above).
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY AND MANUFACTURING CENTER (ATMC)
The Advanced Technology & Manufacturing Center (ATMC), in the South Coast Research & Technology Park, focuses on supporting and attracting technology companies. Managed by the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, it provides:
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Incubator space for start-ups & entrepreneurs
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Support for business planning & raising capital
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Access to state-of-the-art R&D facilities
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Access to technical & business expertise
For more info, contact Paul Vigeant: pvigeant@umassd.edu call (508) 999-9134 or visit 151 Martine Street, Fall River.
FALL RIVER'S WATERFRONT
Demolition of Rte. 79 ‘spaghetti ramps’ will accelerate revitalization of Fall River’s waterfront, including renovation of the long vacant Regatta Restaurant, increased activity at Commonwealth Landing on Davol Street and high-speed ferry service to Block Island and Newport from Fall River's State Pier.
1. New Restaurant Opens at former Regatta Restaurant site
Two local businessmen invested $2 million to transform the long-shuttered Regatta into The Cove. Overlooking the Taunton River, the old restaurant and marina underwent a complete renovation in 2013 before reopening in July 2014 with a 200-seat indoor dining area, 100 outdoor seats, a large bar and a private function/event room that holds up to 180 guests.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Cove-Restaurant/1406490679605013?ref=stream
2. Commonwealth Landing
A mix of restaurants (e.g. Jerry Remy’s), businesses—including Bristol Community College’s Center for Adult Basic Education and Center for Workforce Education—and residential apartments, Commonwealth Landing is helping revitalize the waterfront.
FALL RIVER INDUSTRIAL PARK
Fall River Industrial Park, over 425 acres just off Route 24, includes 60+ companies (employing over 5,000 people): Philips/Lightolier, Blount Seafood, American Dryer, Matouk Textiles, New England Ropes, Precise Packaging, Robbins Manufacturing, Arctic Cold Storage, Exemplar Pharmaceuticals among others. The Fall River Industrial Park Association is the governing organization.
Amazon is currently negotiating with Fall River and Freetown to build a 1,000,000 sq. ft. regional distribution center at the South Coast Biotechnology Park. The facility would straddle the Fall River and Freetown border and employ over 1,000 people. Both Fall River and Freetown approved tax incentives Amazon had asked for. The projected jobs require only a high school education and pay an average of $35,000. Construction is expected to begin in 2015 and be completed in 12-18 months.
Amazon.com Distribution Center
FALL RIVER MILLS
BORDEN CITY MILLS
Rendering of a revitalized Border City complex (Fall River's North End)
Borden City Mills Apartments: https://bordercitymillsapartments.com
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Freight service returned to Fall River in 2012 after an absence of 30 years.
FREIGHT SERVICE
HI-SPEED FERRIES TO DOWNTOWN NEWPORT & BLOCK ISLAND
Block Island Ferry now offers Traditional ferry service (55 minutes), and Hi-Speed ferry service (30 minutes) from Newport, as well as seasonal Hi-Speed ferry service from Newport and Fall River (State Pier).
Video:
PRESERVING PARKS DESIGNED BY FREDERICK LAW OLMSTED
Frederick Law Olmsted (1822-1903) is considered the father of landscape architecture in America. In 1857, London architect Calvert Vaux asked Olmsted to join him in designing New York’s Central Park. Their success inspired an urban park movement in America. Olmsted’s legacy includes Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, Boston’s Emerald Necklace parks, the grounds of the United States Capitol and White House, Chicago’s World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893 and three of the Fall River’s major parks: North Park (1901), Ruggles Park (1903), and Kennedy Park (formerly called South Park). Several local organizations including the Preservation Society of Fall River (http://www.fallriverpreservation.org/City-wide-Park-Renewal.html) and Fall River Park Advocates (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fall-River-Park-Advocates/107809182575513) work to preserve and maintain these nationally significant parks.
For additional information on Frederick Law Olmstead:
http://www.olmsted.org/the-olmsted-legacy/frederick-law-olmsted-sr
The city of Fall River once had over 120 cotton textile mills and was the leading cotton textile center in the US during the late 19th century/early 20th century. There are currently 66 historic textile mills remaining, as well as 40 mill related structures. Many are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For the name and location of the remaining 66 mills and related structures as well as the mills that no longer exist go to:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_mills_in_Fall_River,_Massachusetts\
The Mills Alliance was founded in 2009 to help Fall River mill owners adjust to the changing economy and transform their historic mill structures into hubs of business enterprise and prosperity. Learn more at: http://www.frmoa.com
Mills Alliance facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/millsalliance