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On Thursday, June 25, the Town of Franklin and Old Colony Habitat for Humanity celebrated the transformation of the South Franklin Congregational Meeting House, known as the Old South Church, into a permanently affordable single-family home. The historic landmark, which has stood in Franklin since 1856, welcomed the Marmol family as its first residents, marking a new chapter in the building's history.
What began in 2022 with the Town's effort to redevelop the historic property has become a lasting investment in Franklin's future. Through its partnership with Old Colony Habitat for Humanity, the Town preserved an important piece of Franklin's history while creating a permanent affordable home where a family can build a future.
"When the Town began exploring the future of the Old South Church, we knew we had an opportunity to preserve one of Franklin's historic landmarks while creating a lasting benefit for our community," said Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. "Thanks to our partnership with Old Colony Habitat for Humanity, that vision became a reality. We're proud to welcome the Marmol family to Franklin and celebrate the beginning of a new chapter for both this historic building and the family who now calls it home."
Old Colony Habitat for Humanity was selected through a competitive redevelopment process to lead the renovation with the support of volunteers, donors, local businesses, architects, contractors and community partners.
Following Habitat's homeowner selection process, the Marmol family, including a mother who works in Franklin, was selected to purchase the home. Like every Habitat homeowner, the family completed hundreds of hours of sweat equity alongside volunteers before receiving the keys to their new home.
The home will remain deed-restricted as affordable housing in perpetuity, permanently expanding Franklin's affordable housing inventory while returning the historic property to productive residential use. The unit qualifies toward the Town’s Chapter 40B percentage.
“When I first learned that we had been selected for Habitat for Humanity, it felt like a dream," said new homeowner Sally Marmol. "Standing in front of this beautiful home, that dream has finally become a reality. We are excited to become part of the Franklin community, to be good neighbors, and to give back whenever we can, just as so many people have given to us. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to Old Colony Habitat for Humanity, every volunteer, every sponsor, the Town of Franklin and everyone who believed in us. We promise to cherish this home and all that it represents."
In a statement, the Town of Franklin said it extends its sincere gratitude to Old Colony Habitat for Humanity and the many volunteers, donors, businesses, architects, contractors and community partners whose collaboration helped bring this transformation to life.
“This project represents everything Habitat for Humanity stands for—bringing people together to create strength, stability and hope through homeownership," said Old Colony Habitat for Humanity CEO Kim Thomas. "We are incredibly grateful to the Town of Franklin, our sponsors, volunteers, tradespeople and community partners whose unwavering support made this extraordinary project possible. Transforming this historic building into a beautiful, welcoming home while preserving its incredible character has been a truly remarkable journey. The outpouring of generosity and collaboration has been inspiring, and we couldn’t be happier for the Marmol family as they begin this exciting new chapter in a home built with love, care and an entire community behind them.”
