On November 11th from 12:30 – 2 p.m. the Falmouth Housing Trust, Inc. hosted the Falmouth community at an Open House & Dedication of its Odd Fellows Hall Adaptive Re-Use project.
Guests were given tours of the recently completed renovation of the historic property. The building hosts four micro-unit open concept apartments, all of which are deed restricted in perpetuity as affordable for those earning up to 80% of the Area Median Income, or $47,550 annually. Tenants will move in over the coming month.
The project is the first of its kind in Falmouth and Cape Cod. The Town of Falmouth and Falmouth Housing Trust, Inc. worked collaboratively to take the vacant, blighted property through visioning adapt its use to a well documented community use.
The Open House and Dedication is the culmination of almost 5 years of work to make the project a reality; including extensive permitting and regulatory requirements, selective demolition and abatement of hazardous materials, active construction and fundraising by the Falmouth Housing Trust. For more information on the project or to make a donation please view the Odd Fellows Hall project page.
Brief comments were made by FHT Board of Directors president, Addie Drolette, FHT Executive Director, Anne Connolly, Falmouth Town Manager, Julian Suso, Chairman of the Falmouth Board of Selectmen, Doug Jones and Executive Director of the Cape Cod Foundation, Kristin O’Malley. The ceremonial ribbon was cut and the property renamed One Chancery Lane with the attendance of over 80 guests!
Enjoy some photos thanks to our friend Debby Rogers.
Falmouth Bulletin article
by Sarah E. Murphy
“The Nov. 11 ribbon-cutting of Falmouth Housing Trust’s Odd Fellows Hall project represented not only the fruition of a nearly-five year undertaking but also the first of its kind in Falmouth.”
Read more of the Falmouth Bulletin article about the Odd Fellows Hall ribbon cutting >
FCTV Falmouth in Focus video
(The Odd Fellows Hall Open House and Dedication coverage begins around minute 3:54 of the video.)
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.