FRAMINGHAM — Two city properties have been nominated to be included in the National Register of Historic Places.
The two buildings are the former Nobscot Union Chapel and the former R.H Long factory building.
“It’s to help preserve the buildings and their history,” said Framingham Historical Commission Chairman Paul Silva. “It protects the buildings in the future.”
The Nobscot Chapel was originally located at 780 Water St. What was then the Town of Framingham seized the property from the Nobscot Chapel Association in 2011 for nonpayment of a water bill.
The building was originally built in the 1880s and served several local protestant congregations. The church is recognized as a cultural resource by both the state and Framingham historic commissions.
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In 2020, after the chapel was sold, it was moved from its original location to 881 Edgell Road. It currently houses Lush Beauty Lounge.
“It’s nominated because of its age,” Silva said of the former chapel. “That’s the reason it’s nominated, because of its age and its history.”
National registry offers eligibility for restoration grants
The National Register of Historic Places is part of the National Park Service. It offers protection from state and federal government actions and also eligibility for restoration grants. It does not limit any action by private owners unless they already received state or federal funds.
The second building is the former R.H. Long Co. factory, now the Bancroft Lofts apartments, at 75 Fountain St.
According to the Framingham Historical Society, Richard Henry Long moved his shoemaking business to Framingham in 1902, then built a state-of-the-art factory that was later known as the Bancroft Building in 1910.
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After World War I, he changed his business to manufacturing cars, making what was known as the Bay State model automobile. They were marketed as a “luxury car that sold for an affordable price,” according to the Historical Society. The factory produced approximately 4,000 cars during its four years in business.
After the business failed, Long started a car dealership. Long Auto Group remains in business and is based in Southborough.
“It was nominated because they made a lot of cars in that building,” said Silva. “They did a lot of things in that building.”
It’s not known when a decision will be made as to whether the two buildings will be placed on the National Register.
Norman Miller can be reached at 508-626-3823 or nmiller@wickedlcoal.com. For up-to-date news, follow him on X @Norman_MillerMW or on Facebook at facebook.com/NormanMllerCrime.
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