Salvation Army Building Project Clears Last Major Hurdle in Plymouth

The Salvation Army’s long-awaited plans to renovate a historic building on Coles Hill have cleared a significant hurdle after a local developer secured final approval from the Zoning Board of Appeals. The project, which has faced legal and logistical challenges for years, now moves forward with a new owner and a fresh vision for the 113-year-old structure.

The building, located on Carver Street, was once a central part of the Salvation Army’s presence in Plymouth. After the organization relocated to Long Pond Road nearly a decade ago, the property fell into disrepair. In 2018, a local couple, Edward and Ayli Gates, purchased the site for $1.2 million with the intention of transforming it into an events venue. Their efforts gained support from various town boards, but not all residents were in agreement.

A nearby neighbor, Brad Cushing, filed two lawsuits to block the project, citing concerns over its impact on the community. The Gateses eventually prevailed in court, but by 2023, Ed Gates faced personal and professional challenges. Approaching 70, he was preparing for mandatory retirement from his role at the Boston law firm Wolf Greenfield. The financial and emotional burden of renovating the historic property became too great, prompting the couple to put the building up for sale.

The property remained unsold until Richard Rosen, a seasoned developer from Whitman, stepped in with a different plan. Rosen proposed converting the space into condominiums, a vision that aligned with the town’s zoning regulations and community needs. After months of navigating the town’s complex approval process, Rosen received a unanimous decision from the Zoning Board of Appeals, with minor conditions related to drainage, parking, and maintenance.

Rosen emphasized his commitment to the project during the board meeting, stating, “We’ve agreed to do everything that you’ve asked for.” He acknowledged the building’s historical significance and the responsibility that comes with restoring it. “It’s an awesome responsibility to take that historical piece of property and bring it back to what it once was,” he said.

In addition to purchasing the property for $1.85 million, Rosen has pledged to contribute $100,000 to the town’s affordable housing fund. This gesture reflects a balance between development and community service, ensuring that some units will be available at below-market rates. With the purchase and sale agreement finalized, work on the renovation is expected to begin by winter, with completion anticipated by August. The project will require an additional $2 million in funding, underscoring the scale of the undertaking.

The Salvation Army’s connection to the site remains a part of the community’s history, and the building’s future now rests in the hands of a new owner with a vision for its revitalization. As the project moves forward, it carries the weight of preserving a piece of local heritage while addressing contemporary needs.

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