We do not track by default — allowing cookies will show us how visitors use this site anonymously. Google Maps satellite image. We were invited to meet Adam Buck and Anne Wolfe in to tour the progress they had been making on the former rope works building.
We gathered some history shortly after our meeting as well but do not have any sources to share. It was originally designed as an addition to the larger Soule Mill complex , and is the only remaining structure. New Bedford was one of the first cities to integrate all stages of textile production within these large mill complexes, which were often several stories high and many city blocks long. This 25, square foot single story building was designed as a weave and dye shed, and north-facing skylights along the full length of each of the six sawteeth brought in ample even-toned natural light, which was important to the process of dying and color-matching.
As New Bedford was one of the last cities in America to switch from whale oil to electric lights, the skylights were an important part of the design. The sawtooth roof design runs in a slight diagonal to the square of the building to face true north, which provides an interesting architectural feature seen best in the aerial photo. At one point the building was used as a liquor storehouse. Local laws required that all windows and skylights be bricked or boarded up when used for this purpose.
The business was originally created to provide cotton rope and braids to the New England textile industry, and later evolved to provide fine ropes for marine, industrial, and recreational markets. Ruggles started manufacturing rope at the Sawyer St. Father-son team converts building into artistic haven.
Norman and Adam Buck are not your average developers. They purchased the building in November , and are diligently renovating the neglected mill. They plan to create 13 artist loft-style condominiums, each with an artist workspace. Each person involved in the project has a strong background in art. Adam F. Buck is an art school graduate, a former dot-com employee and photographer. His girlfriend and partner, Anne Wolfe, is also an art school graduate, as well as a sculptor and welder.
