The Captain Davis House, at 3 Water Street, represents a rare opportunity: a workspace in the commercial center of the village, controlled by the village.
Six different user groups, non-profits and artists and educators, are currently based at the historic Captain Davis House. The building represents the Woods Hole Community Association’s latest effort to make village spaces available to a broad range of users and provide positive impacts to Woods Hole and the broader community.
How we got here
The Woods Hole Community Association purchased the Captain Davis House outright in January, 2025, with overwhelming community support. Following the purchase, the Community Association offered WCAI, the current tenant, five years rent-free and any reasonable improvements to remain in the building. That offer was declined. WCAI moved out in the fall of 2025.
At a public visioning session on August 19, 2025, at the Woods Hole Community Hall, community members brought forward a range of ideas for potential uses of the Captain Davis House. The Falmouth Enterprise did a nice job summarizing the event in its article, “Science, Arts and Storytelling At The Heart of Davis House Discussions.”
Working from that community input, through the fall of 2025, the Woods Hole Community Association board crafted a formal request for proposals (RFP) for potential building uses.
This RFP was issued publicly on November 1, 2025, with proposals due December 15th.
Proposals for full or partial use of the Captain Davis House were considered, including potential shared use.
With the RFP, the Community Association sought to:
- Ensure the Davis House provides meaningful benefit to Woods Hole residents, organizations, and visitors
- Support programs that enhance the cultural, educational, and civic life of the village.
- Preserve and honor the history and character of Woods Hole.
- Maintain the property in a sustainable manner for future generations.