WGBH Purchases Historic Davis House, Renovation Planned

WOODS HOLE – In mid December 2009, public service broadcaster WGBH purchased the historic Davis House at 3 Water Street in Woods Hole from fellow nonprofit the Children’s School of Science. The move will enable WCAI to continue its radio operations here, and give new life to the 164-year-old building. The recorded deed indicated a purchase price of $670,000. 

“We’re delighted that this wonderful space we’ve rented for eleven years will now become our permanent home,” said WCAI Station Director and WGBH Radio General Manager John Voci.

Since 1998, WGBH has leased the building for WCAI, the Cape and Islands NPR Station, and its repeater services WNAN and WZAI. All are listener-supported public radio stations serving Cape Cod, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, and the south coast.

The exterior of the Greek Revival structure is in poor condition and in need of substantial repairs. In January WCAI will launch an appeal for public support for a Renovation Fund to help restore the building. Immediate needs include a new roof and windows, and the removal of asbestos siding.

“With WGBH’s involvement and the help of our listeners, WCAI will preserve and protect this prominent town landmark for future generations of Woods Hole residents and visitors,” said Voci.

According to Susan Witzell, Archivist and Assistant Curator of the Woods Hole Museum, The Davis House was built in 1845 for Civil War veteran Captain Thomas G. Davis. At one time the house had a store on the first floor with living quarters above, she said. “It was beautiful.”

“The Davis House sits at the gateway of Woods Hole and helps define the historic character of our village,” said longtime resident Thomas J. Hynes, Jr. “Many of us were concerned that the building might be purchased for its location and then demolished to make way for new construction. We are delighted that the property will remain with our friends at WCAI, who have proven to be good neighbors. I know they will be careful stewards of this classic landmark.” 

WCAI, the Cape and Islands NPR station, is broadcast on 90.1FM, 91.1FM and 94.3FM and WGBH HD3, 89.7 Boston. The station is listener-supported public radio serving Cape Cod, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, and the Southcoast.

WGBH Boston is America’s preeminent public broadcaster, producing such award-winning PBS series as Masterpiece, Antiques Roadshow, Frontline, Nova, American Experience, Arthur, Curious George, and more than a dozen other prime-time, lifestyle, and children’s series and websites.

WGBH Radio serves listeners from Cape Cod to New Hampshire with 89.7 WGBH, Boston’s NPR® Station for News and Culture; 99.5 All Classical; WCAI for Cape Cod and the Islands; WNCK on Nantucket; and the All-Classical WGBH HD channel.