True Tales: Progress at Revere Heritage Site

A view of the oculus on the eastern gable end of the Paul Revere rolling mill. This photo was taken during the construction of the clerestory windows.

The opening salvo was fired by a local attorney on a Monday morning in May 2008. With the filing of a handful of requests, the attorney, at the direction of his client, was seeking approval for the demolition of the Revere & Son Rolling Mill and the barn built by Joseph Warren Revere that sat in deplorable condition nearby. For anyone that drives by the Paul Revere Heritage Site today, the loss of these nationally significant buildings would be unthinkable. But now, 12 years later, we see the momentum that has built and is ushering in a new chapter in the history of Canton.

It is not difficult to see why the two historic buildings were used as a fulcrum for developing the site. As early as June 2004, the Plymouth Rubber Company had hired the preeminent architectural firm Sasaki Associates to do a concept and land use analysis. Their findings, “the site’s waterfront location and proximity to downtown, commuter rail, and regional highways make it a prime location for redevelopment. With a desirable location within the metropolitan Boston market, the town is currently experiencing significant growth in residential and mixed-use development in the heart of downtown.” As we all would learn, the highest and best use of the site was intended to be residential, and the initial plan called for 751 units with enough parking for over 1,500 cars. What happened over the next 15 years is the combination of public and private partnerships and is the envy of many communities throughout the commonwealth.

Over 300 years of industrial history have been recorded on the site. And it is hard to imagine all the buildings that have been erased over time. Six of the buildings had been built in the 1800s; three had additions built in the mid 1900s; five were constructed in the 1920s; and 15 were built during or after World War II. In all, 35 structures were on the site and the developer made good on his initial threat of demolishing all of them. As a result of the impending loss of the most historic structures, the local historical commission raised the battle cry and soon the town took notice. By blocking rezoning attempts, the people of Canton pushed for concessions and in time the developer came to the table in a positive and genuine way.

The regulations in place regarding the historic mill complex and the proximity to the Canton River along with the federally controlled flood spillway made for a very challenging development plan. The turning point may have come with the passage of the Community Preservation Act, which in a timely fashion allowed the people of Canton to buy nearly seven acres of land and remove it from the project.

The process of restoring the rolling mill was complex, owing to both age and condition and structural integrity. This photo, taken in 2016, shows the shell of the structure and the beginning of the ambitious project to save the jewel.

Today, the land is lush and verdant and the project of transforming the site has had dozens of hands and minds at work. Make no mistake, there has been leadership at the highest levels. The Select Board, Planning Board, Conservation Commission, Recreation Commission, Historical Commission as well as nearly every department from the DPW to Fire and Police have been at the table to create this signature space. To the credit of the voters and citizenry, the support has been consistently positive and enthusiastic. Now, the question that is on everyone’s minds is, “When will it open?”

The ongoing pandemic has certainly delayed any public celebration and formal opening. Yet on any given day you may see people strolling the pathways and enjoying the wildflower field and the waterway views. Most critically, at last year’s annual town meeting, the community decided to ask the state legislature to bless the formation of the Revere & Son Heritage Trust Corporation — a quasi-governmental nonprofit that will manage the project moving forward. The mission is clear: “to preserve and interpret historic buildings, archeological grounds, and a collection of artifacts that tell a story of Paul Revere and family after the Canton industrial site was established in 1801.” With a focus on the “now,” the plans include a year-round, high-tech program of events and exhibits facilitated by a partnership with schools, businesses and other organizations to educate and inspire a diverse audience and a new generation of innovators.

On Friday, August 7, the nonprofit organization was blessed into law and the act establishing the corporation was signed by Governor Baker late that same night. The following day the clock began ticking on the creation of a board that would begin the task of making good on the promises embodied in the mission of the group. Last week, six names were sent to the Select Board to populate the initial board of directors. And while so much has been accomplished, the best is yet to come. As much that has been visible physically has been balanced with even more in the works.

Many people are excited to know that Northern Spy, the signature restaurant, has resumed construction and the space will be a gathering place for so many memories and great food. Upstairs at the mill, a committee has been working for almost two years with a conceptual preview room for the museum. Artifacts have been chosen, storylines developed, and a designer is about to release a bid package for construction later this year. In fact, two major artifacts are now the subject of planning for conservation. A hand-pumper that was used in the 1820s and features copper rolled at the site is being studied and will be the subject of a Community Preservation application later this fall. And a bell cast by an apprentice of Paul Revere will be conserved and readied for public display on the site. The Hooper Bell may be in place sometime in 2021. When factoring in the concept of the preview room, the interpretation of this place is well underway.

The Joseph Warren Revere Barn, built during an expansion of the Revere Copper Co. between 1845-1855. The adaptive reuse of the structure features modern assembly code requirements, an elevator, and 3 floors that will be dedicated to the Museum of Innovation and Discovery.

Outside, along the winding pathways, a committee designed and installed informative historic panels that tell the story of the site across the three centuries of industry. The signs are the foundation of a town-wide interpretation of the many historic and archeological sites that reflect our unique heritage and of those that have been on the land for thousands of years. Our strength is in storytelling and we have fantastic stories to share.

One of the things that is so hard to impress upon people is the need for patience. We are in a state of society where immediate gratification often means cutting corners and delivering on the “now.” And while Voltaire said that “perfect is the enemy of the good,” there is a sense that even the “good” takes time. Here is a place where time has been the one element that yields the most success. This is a not a momentary work; it is a work for the ages and is intended to have a bedrock foundation to build upon. Already there is energy building for a farmer’s market and a desire to create a community space that supports music, arts, and festivals. A day will come post-COVID where we will respond to our human nature to come together in our tribal genetics. To gather, to tell and share stories, to celebrate the past and embrace the future. Take stock in what we have done as a community and take heart in the future possibilities and embrace the momentum.

Check out the October 1 print edition to view more photos documenting the progress at the Revere Heritage Site. Not a subscriber? Click here to order your subscription today.

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