After several months of uncertainty, Fisherman’s Mark has a permanent new home for their administrative and social services offices. On March 29th, the nonprofit social services organization closed on the property at
60 Wilson Street, Lambertville.
For over 5 years, the administrative offices and food pantry were both housed in the iconic Hibernia fire station. The 125-year-old building was damaged and rendered unusable by the flood waters from Hurricane Ida. As a result, the food pantry was moved to the former Homestead Market building at 262 N. Main Street which offers a homey, spacious, store-like environment for their clients. The administrative and social services offices were temporarily moved into the Rago Auction House building at 333 N. Main Street. “We owe a debt of gratitude to the Rago’s for their generosity in offering us the space,” said Jennifer Williford, Executive Director for Fisherman’s Mark. However, it was only a temporary solution.
Together with Williford, the Fisherman’s Mark Board of Directors acted quickly to search for a new location. The perfect opportunity presented itself: a building in their old Lambertville neighborhood, just blocks from the Hibernia Fire station. The location, familiar to staff, volunteers and clients alike, offers ample square footage not only for the administrative offices, but for new programs such as ESL classes.
“The purchase of the building gives Fisherman’s Mark a permanent home for our office without the uncertainty of a rented space, and it also makes good financial sense,” said Jacqueline Griffith, President of the Board of Trustees. The organization was able to negotiate a reasonable purchase price as well as secure a low interest mortgage. “We are thrilled to have a place to call home for as long as help is needed,” Williford said.
The organization anticipates being fully operational in the new building by April 14th. “As the President of the Board of Trustees for this great organization, I am delighted that Fisherman’s Mark has a permanent place to call home and a beautiful office space to better serve our clients,” said Griffith.
