September 8, 2009

Dear Arthur and friends,

Speaking with a parishioner of the Greek Orthodox Church in Pawtucket, the church member said the church council seems deadlocked in their response.  Either repair the building for $100,000 or demolish the structure for $100,000.  Both possibities seem ugly for a church with limited resources.

By the way, the Ott family once operated the long-closed Royal Weaving on the intersections of North Bend Street, Cottage Street, Central Ave. and Sabin Street.  The Ott family also designed the imposing clock tower. 

Incidentally, is it true, the Ott family garage off Walcott Street had a rotating car port? In addition, an underground tunnel separates the mansion from the garage.

Peace,

Ludlow1

Have to check out but maybe others have knowledge of this.

Sept. 15, 2009

Dear Arthur and friends,

What is the latest with the lonely house on the east side of High Street in Pawtucket, near St. Mary Antiochian Syrian Church.  Is that house near the elderly apartments still in use?

Peace,

Ludlow1 

I've heard that the biggest problem with the Read-Ott house is it's impossible to get a C of O from the City because it doesn't meet current codes, and the modifications it requires (don't know exactly what) are significant enough that the house would lose its historic integrity. So do you preserve it OR open it to the public?

St. Mary's would like to sell the school as a school. Not sure who the takers might be. With CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid all already established nearby, I retain hope that the building will be saved in any case.