Restoring an Historic Landmark
For more than 300 years, the Baxter Grist Mill has served as a landmark along Main Street in West Yarmouth. Originally powered by a waterwheel, it was converted to turbine operation circa 1860, and is the only turbine-powered mill on Cape Cod. The mill ceased regular operation around 1900. It has since served as a gift shop, museum, and has been restored to operation twice – first in 1961, and again in 1989.
Historically Sensitive Repairs & Improvements
Our team completed the first phase of an evaluation of the dam associated with the mill site, and is working to develop historically-sensitive repairs and improvements. The end goal is to address the dam’s deficiencies, evaluate and replace a fish ladder that is integrated into the dam, and improve public access and amenities.
So far, we have performed a hydrology/hydraulics analysis of the dam, as well as a structural condition assessment of the fish ladder and the dam’s stone masonry walls. We have also provided an assessment of dam repair alternatives, and a scoping design for the fish ladder.
This project required careful coordination with the Yarmouth Historical Commission to maintain the historical consistency of the site.
Services Snapshot
Tighe & Bond’s scope of services included hydrology/hydraulics analysis, structural assessment, as well as dam planning and design.
