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Conversations about possible restoration and expanded access to the historic Carding Mill House have hit a temporary roadblock, in the form of a dam.
While the Sudbury Historical Commission and Conservation Commission recently began collaborating on the future of the 102 Dutton Road property, all conversations regarding restoration and public access will have to wait until a full assessment and possible repair of the property’s dam is completed.
The delay was confirmed in a memo from Conservation Coordinator Lori Capone, which was displayed on screen during the June 16 meeting of the Sudbury Historical Commission. Because the south side of the historic building’s foundation acts as the dam for Carding Mill Pond, ensuring the dam’s structural integrity must take priority over building renovations and property upgrades according to the memo. The memo also stated the property was competing for limited staff resources. (1:53:00 below)
Capone’s memo noted “Understanding the dam’s condition, identifying any necessary repairs or improvements, and determining potential funding sources are critical first steps that will help inform future decisions regarding the site.”
Brought to Sudbury by Henry Ford in the 1920s, the 2,400-square-foot building originally served as a machine shop for the Wayside Inn Boys School. The town-owned property is currently gated off with no public access.
Prior to the delay, the Historical Commission had been discussing expanded parking, enhanced security, and future uses for the site, with Historical Commission Chair Chris Hagger praising it as an “incredible property” and a “beautiful spot.” Capone did say that staff would evaluate potential security enhancements with Combined Facilities Director Sandra Duran.
For now, residents hoping to explore the site or the house will have to hold on while the Conservation Commission focuses its efforts on evaluating the dam and determining the cost of repairs.