Page 117 - Middleborough 2024 Town Report

Additionally, the Commission acknowledges the
Middleborough Gas & Electric Division (MGED) for its
cooperation in preservation eforts. As noted by Michael
Maddigan, Vice Chair,
HISTORICAL
Commission
“The Municipal Light Plant is listed on the National Register of
Historic Places in recognition of its significance in the growth
and development of the community. It is one of the two oldest
existing hydro-powered municipal electric lighting plants
listed in the Commonwealth’s comprehensive cultural resource
Respectfully submitted,
survey. Constructed in 1889 at what was known as the Upper
Factory, the building housed Thomson-Houston’s only
hydro-powered electric lighting plant in New England.
Larissa Hansen-Hallgren Larissa Hansen-Hallgren, Chair
Acquired by the Town of Middleborough in 1893, it has
remained a significant landmark on Wareham Street for
nearly 135 years.”
Michael J. Maddigan Michael J. Maddigan, Vice chair
As MGED plans for a new electric division building,
General Manager Ken Stone has welcomed the
J. Thomas Dexter J. Thomas Dexter, Commissioner
Commission’s input ensuring the project relects
historical preservation interests. The Commission is
pleased that the building’s new design will incorporate a
Joseph Ferguson Joseph Ferguson, Commissioner
significant portion of the original facade. MGED and its
design team, which included a Historical Commissioner
during the early phases, have been outstanding to work
with. The Commission regards this project as exemplary,
Laurene Gerrior Laurene Gerrior, Commissioner
and illustrates how early conversations between the
Commission and a potential applicant for demolition can
result in a design solution that retains much of the
Wally Glendye Wally Glendye, Commissioner
original structure and preserves aspects of the historic
streetscape.
Chip Mangio Chip Mangio, Commissioner
Finally, the Commission expresses its gratitude to
Middleborough’s residents for their ongoing
engagement. The increasing number of individuals and
Kristopher Belken Kristopher Belken, Associate
property owners seeking the Commission’s guidance to
better understand Middleborough’s history, their
renovation or demolition planning, and to collaborate
with us on various initiatives underscores the
Nathan Demers
Nathan Demers, Associate
community’s shared commitment to preserving
Middleborough’s past.
Alexis Cope Alexis Cope, Recording Secretary
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