Nite Owl in Fall River to go in front of Community Preservation Committee concerning prospective restorations, repairs, and updates to the property

There may soon be fresh life for a famous Fall River landmark.

Owner Joseph Nasrallah wants to sell or renovate the former Nite Owl Restaurant on the corner of Eastern Avenue and Pleasant Street and get it listed on the Fall River Register as a significant and historic place before, ideally, getting it on the National Register, according to Antone Dias, who spoke before the Historical Commission in March.

The Community Preservation Committee will conduct a funding hearing for the Nite Owl on Wednesday, January 8, 2025.

The property’s owner wants to renovate it in the following ways:

exterior renovations or repairs to the current stainless steel covering. The renowned Night Owl sign will be brought back to its original, more ominous look. To replicate the original neon signs, two new ones will be made. The existing counter, stools, windows, and lights have been restored inside. The plumbing and electrical systems will be completely replaced. Stainless steel wall panels with a sunburst theme will be supplied for the kitchen. It will be necessary to install a new floor access hatch. Terrazzo floors in the kitchen will be kept in good condition. The current diner will be expanded with a new handicapped-accessible restroom.

$228,319 is the listed price for the work.

According to Dias, the diner, which has been there since the 1950s, has a basement with a bathroom and can accommodate roughly 20 people.

The property also includes the parking lot.

In order for locals to continue seeing the famous owl for many years to come, Nasrallah wants the building to be maintained rather than demolished or rendered unrecognizable.

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