The Falmouth Housing Trust was selected by the Town of Falmouth to develop four units of rental community housing at this municipally owned site. The Trust purchased the property from the Town of Falmouth in October of 2105.
Currently FHT is under construction, and expects the project to be completed in the fall of 2016. Important project facts to note:
- Odd Fellows Hall is a historically significant building located outside a Historic District,
- Katherine Lee Bates attended school there, and the buildings original purpose was as a Village School for Falmouth,
- Its present iteration is not original, as it was built without columns, a porch and portico; those items were added after it was moved back and rotated, off Main Street,
- This project is an Adaptive Re-use project; taking an older building no longer in use as intended and adapting it to current needs and requirements, (code compliance, etc.);
- The property is located on the sewer line;
- The project will include four open concept studio apartments; 2 down will be “visitable” and 2 up will not be;
- All four apartments will “count” on the Town of Falmouth’s Subsidized Housing Inventory;
- The project will be permitted under Chapter 40B, because the lot is under-sized, and it is a change of use (currently zoned Business 1) to residential use;
- The Falmouth Housing Trust annually monitors all its units and closes out all 40B permits with a final cost certification;
- The Falmouth Trust has an affordability restriction in perpetuity and an agreement with the Town of Falmouth for the property’s appearance. The exterior will remain the same, with the addition of two covered steps that will flank the building, required by code.
We, here at the Falmouth Housing Trust will continue to keep the Falmouth community updated as project milestones are achieved.
Are you interested in making a charitable donation restricted for the Odd Fellows Hall Capital Campaign? Please make your on-line donation here, or contact our Executive Director, Anne Connolly by email, or telephone.
Do you still have questions? Please contact our office, 508-540-2370, or by email.
Stephanie McDowell is a CPA based in Falmouth with over 30 years of accounting and tax experience. She serves individuals and small businesses, with a specialization in Construction clients. She also works extensively with estate and trust taxation.
Thomas Zine
Brendan Crane is Vice President of Crane Appliance, a family-owned appliance company serving Cape Cod and the Islands for more than 40 years. Prior to joining the family business, Brendan built a career in entertainment and media, specializing in non-fiction storytelling and creative strategy with a strong focus on nonprofit partnerships and social impact projects. He brings a creative, community-focused perspective to both business and civic involvement in Falmouth.
Lori Andrews has held a variety of leadership roles in HR, finance, audit and IT during a 40+ year career in financial services-insurance, public accounting and government. Lori retired from Liberty Mutual in 2021 as Senior Vice President and Manager of Global Total Rewards. In that role, ensuring more than 45,000 employees receive fair and competitive compensation and benefits worldwide. Lori has served on the Partners for Youth with Disabilities Board of Directors since 2020.
Maro Titus has a deep connection to the Falmouth Community that dates back to her childhood, shaping her passion for the area. Leveraging her successful career in healthcare administration, Maro has transitioned her expertise to Kinlin Grover Compass Real Estate. As a dedicated agent, she strives to understand each client’s unique needs, bringing a wealth of marketing knowledge and enthusiasm to the real estate practice. With a background in executive leadership encompassing strategic planning, government affairs, and business development, Maro’s professional journey is marked by a commitment to excellence.
Sudie Gifford comes to our board with an extremely varied background in arts, education, finance, public relations, and charity work.
Ed Monteiro was President of the Board of Directors of Falmouth Housing Trust in the ‘90’s, and we are thrilled that he is back.
David Sutkowy has lived in Falmouth since 2020.
Tammy Rausch is an experienced operations and business transformation leader with a background in financial services, global operations, and strategic planning. Tammy has held leadership roles at companies including Fidelity Investments and State Street Bank & Trust, where she led large teams, improved operational processes, and managed global client relationships. Tammy is also active in community volunteering, supporting local organizations including Make a Wish, Hand in Hand Thrift Shop, and Next Chapter Book Club.
Joan Bates has lived in Falmouth with her husband, Robert, since 2002. Prior to that, the couple lived in Newton. Joan’s 25-year professional career was in special education and nonprofit management.
Joanne O’Sullivan is a real estate attorney who has been practicing law in Falmouth since 1995. She is a self-described “wash-ashore” living on Cape Cod for 30 plus years. Joanne grew up in South Boston, and graduated from the University of Chicago and Boston College Law School. Attorney O’Sullivan has primarily been a sole practitioner for the past 20 years. She is married with 2 adult children who live out of state for job opportunities. Ms. O’Sullivan joined the FHT Board of Directors in 2009 and has served in various capacities, currently as vice president.
Director, Addie Drolette, is a Falmouth native and makes her home in East Falmouth. Most of Addie’s professional career has been spent serving the mortgage financing needs of the community of Falmouth. She is presently a Senior Residential Loan Officer with Martha’s Vineyard Bank.