Two D.F. Pray projects recognized by Preservation Massachusetts

Fall River, MA D.F. Pray joined industry colleagues at the Preservation Massachusetts Annual Awards Dinner to celebrate preservation in Mass. Preservation Massachusetts is a non-profit historic preservation organization dedicated to preserving the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ historic and cultural heritage.

The Charles River Speedway was recognized with a 2022 Robert H. Kuehn Jr. award honoring the extraordinary projects that meld collaborative partnerships with creative and innovative ideas for the rehabilitation and active reuse of historic buildings. D.F. Pray served as general contractor for the mixed-use transformation of this 19^th century trotting horse stable and metropolitan park police station and jail on the Charles River. The historic buildings and their central courtyard were transformed into a space that is now home to a mix of independent businesses and nonprofits, who are creating jobs, encouraging entrepreneurship, and highlighting the neighborhood’s vibrant and creative community.

The Knitting Mill Apartments, Fall River project was recognized with a 2022 Paul and Niki Tsongas Award honoring the people and projects that have displayed the highest level of commitment to historic preservation in the Commonwealth. D.F. Pray served as general contractor for the restoration and adaptive re-use of this historic structure. The mill was gutted and converted into 100 affordable housing units and houses Fall River’s Flint Senior Center offering health services and community events. Remnants of the Wampanoag Mill’s past can be found throughout the building, including original wood ceilings, brickwork, and ornate support beams.

“D.F. Pray is honored to have been a part of these two significant preservation projects in the Commonwealth. Our teams were challenged by these unique projects and the results speak volumes about the dedication to workmanship and quality in restoring these structures,” said Scott Pray, president of D.F. Pray. “We are proud to have been a part of giving these historic structures new life and we will continue advocate and support adaptive re-use and preservation of historic buildings.”