Fall River Water Works
Masonry restoration of a 22-acre Ruskinian Gothic water works facility — including selective demolition, stone wall reconstruction, granite coping stone installation, copper flashing, and repointing on local Fall River granite.
The Fall River Water Works, built between 1872 and 1875 from local Fall River granite in the Ruskinian Gothic style, required major stone wall reconstruction and restoration of its historic masonry.
CLIENT
City of Fall River
STRUCTURE TYPE
Ruskinian Gothic Style Structure
LOCATION
Fall Rivers, MA
Services Provided on This Project
Project Planning
Selective Demolition
Stone Wall Restoration
Granite Coping Stone Installation
Copper Flashing
Repointing
Restoring a Gothic Water Works
The Fall River Water Works is a 22-acre historic site located in Fall River, Massachusetts. The original buildings were constructed from local Fall River granite, primarily in the Ruskinian Gothic style. Still in active use as a water works for the city, the property contains the original pumping station, intake house, and a 121-foot standpipe water tower.
Built between 1872 and 1875, the facility was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981 in recognition of its architectural significance and its role in the development of public water infrastructure in southeastern Massachusetts.
Cenaxo was selected for the masonry restoration portion of the project. Our masons worked closely with the general contractor to coordinate the selective demolition and reconstruction of major sections of the building. The restoration included careful cataloging of original stones, selective demolition of compromised areas, stone wall rebuilding, granite coping stone installation, copper flashing, and full repointing of the historic granite façade.
Project Scope
- Selective demolition and cataloging of original granite stones
- Reconstruction of major sections of the stone walls
- Granite coping stone fabrication and installation
- Copper flashing installation at wall caps and parapets
- Full repointing of the historic granite masonry
- Coordination with general contractor on phased demolition
- Stone wall restoration to match original Ruskinian Gothic character
Active Water Works Facility
The Fall River Water Works remains an active municipal water facility, requiring Cenaxo's team to coordinate restoration work around ongoing operations. The careful phasing of selective demolition and reconstruction ensured uninterrupted service to the city while preserving the historic integrity of one of New England's finest Gothic-style industrial buildings.
Project Gallery
Progress Photos
Stone Setting
Cenaxo craftsmen use specialized lifting equipment to precisely position large granite stones during the wall reconstruction, working from elevated platforms to reach the upper courses of the facade.
Copper Flashing
Newly installed copper flashing along the granite parapet wall — providing critical moisture protection while complementing the building's historic character with traditionally crafted metalwork.
Let’s Protect What Matters Most
If you’re responsible for a historic building, choosing the right restoration partner matters. Cenaxo provides expert guidance from evaluation through execution — with clarity, care, and confidence.
