Changes, changes, changes: A photo essay

by Mark Amarantes, photography by Mark Amarantes

First published in May/June, 2007, Volume 4, Issue 2, The Hatchet: Journal of Lizzie Borden Studies.

Second Street has recently seen the demolition of the bus station/South Main Place shopping mall to make way for the new Fall River Trial Court building.  The South Main Place Mall was built in 1981 when towns such as Fall River and New Bedford were trying to revitalize their downtown areas to compete with the suburban mall boom. The new Trial Court building will replace the city’s existing Superior and District Courts. Cost for the 145,000 sq. foot edifice is projected to be $85 million. The Trial Court building is estimated to be completed in Fall of 2009. Our man in Fall River, Mark Amarantes, took these images soon after the destruction took place. One can now see 92 Second Street from South Main, and vice versa.  

Looking towards Borden Street and South Main from what was once Mrs. Churchill’s property, next door to the Lizzie Borden B & B.

Looking at the Lizzie Borden B & B from Borden Street.

AFTER: Looking at what was the SERTA Bus Station at South Main Place Mall, Second Street, from the front step of the Lizzie Borden B & B.

The Lizzie Borden B & B, from South Main Street.

BEFPRE: South Main Place Mall, 186 South Main Street.

BEFORE: SERTA Bus Station at South Main Place Mall, Second Street.