NEW BEDFORD — It’s only fitting that Zeiterion’s multi-million dollar renovation project blends restoration of its historic beauty with modernization of sound, lighting and patron amenities.
After all, the building at 684 Purchase Street celebrated its 100th anniversary this year, and its many backers (including Z’s dedicated fundraiser organizers) hope that the completed project will serve the community for the next 100 years. We look forward to providing the best in entertainment, education and community events.
The project is priced at an estimated $31 million and construction is expected to begin in September and take 12 to 14 months.
In the meantime, Z, the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra and the New Bedford Festival Theater will continue to perform at various venues around the city, although locations and schedules are still being worked out.
Zeiterion President and CEO Rosemary Gill said:
These efforts are made possible through Wilson Butler Architects, an award-winning Boston design firm that specializes in historic theaters like the Zaiterion Performing Arts Center. Built for vaudeville in 1923, the building was the last of his 17 theaters to open downtown during that era and cost him $12 million today.
“Anyone who hears about the plan or sees it or jumps in is just blown away,” Gill said. “It’s very exciting.”
City-owned buildings are “buildings that contribute to our historic district, the spaces have historic preservation destinations, and whatever we do meets the restoration and restoration standards outlined by the state.” must be met,” says Zeiterion. Nicole Downing Merci Senior Director of Development.
“The fact that it’s historic is both wonderful and challenging,” Gill said. “It’s a real asset, but anyone who’s done historical work knows how difficult it can be.”
An exterior that recalls the glamorous look of yesteryear provides a guiding beacon for generations of new visitors.
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According to Gill, tourists and even visitors from the surrounding area are often asked, “Where’s Z?” as they walk down Union Street.
not anymore.
Merusi said the restoration work will include returning a marquee to the theater’s main entrance in honor of the original 1923 design, as well as a small marquee covering the entrance to the ticket office. The large two-storey arched windows on the front of the building are also restored to their historic appearance.
“We haven’t had signs outside our buildings for years,” says Gill. “To revive it, a beautiful awning will be installed over the main entrance with the lobby, which will be illuminated with LED lights over the entertainment area. It really creates what it is: a downtown beacon.”
The auditorium will also be restored to its original historic appearance. This is from the color scheme (which had to be revealed with a site visit) to the stucco-painted friezes and silk tapestries that adorn the walls. Seats will be reconfigured to the correct pitch. He now meets ADA’s handicap accessibility requirements and plans to add about 80 of his seats to the current 1,200 seats, Merusi said.
The auditorium seating, lighting and sound will be upgraded to state-of-the-art. “It will be more comfortable. It will sound great. It will be a really great experience.
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The work will also be amplified beyond the sound system.
The structure’s underutilized space becomes productive with the help of Wilson Butler Architects.
“This project will revitalize these areas in some really incredible ways,” Gill said. “One of them is Speakeasy.”
The speakeasy lounge will be built in the basement of the building and will hold just under 100 people, Melsi said. A more intimate space for small performances, community gatherings, rentals, talks, parties and film presentations.
The building will have a dedicated teaching space for the first time, Gill said, but Z already provides performing arts education to up to 20,000 students annually (excluding the New Bedford Symphony and Festival Theater educational programs) are doing.
“On the third floor of the building, above the lobby area, we have Movement Studios and classrooms,” says Gill.
The lobby space on the main floor will expand where the concession stands today. Merusi added, “With a doorway on the corner of Spring and Purchase, all the spaces we currently use as function spaces are now one large extended lobby space with its own bar.”
The number of toilets will increase significantly. The women’s restroom will double in size, and the men’s restroom will be moved from the basement to the top. There will also be a second-floor lounge connected to the lobby by a grand staircase.
The ongoing fundraiser draws on several different sources, including city and state funds, both state and federal historic tax credits that are reimbursed based on eligible rehabilitation work, and philanthropic efforts. Mr Gill said.
Mayor John Mitchell announced that the city will contribute $5 million in ARPA funding and the state will contribute $2 million through ARPA. Lt. Gov. Karin Polito turned down the state award by Jan. 6, which was higher than expected.
State Senator Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford) and State Representative Tony Cabral (D-New Bedford) were also present and helped secure funding. An additional $400,000 in state tax credits was recently received.
“I am thrilled that the redevelopment of this historic theater is underway and am extremely proud to be able to help make this project a reality,” said Cabral.
He added, “I will continue to fight for Zeiterion’s funding. I hope the new government will enable the state to match or even exceed local contributions.” I was.
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Montigny said: Today, we are making multi-million dollar national investments for exciting renovations that will leverage private capital and inject more energy into our recovering downtown. As first directors in the 1980s, I don’t think any of us could have had a better perspective on this historic venue. “
“The organization is very grateful to the community,” Gill said. “We could not have done this without their support, the support of our delegation, the support of our incredible corporate and individual donors. It was truly a community effort. It is something to do.”
And it’s a smart investment in a building that was “saved from a wrecking ball” by visionaries, including former mayor John Bullard, 40 years ago, Gill said. Theater Inc. was founded.
Z is currently estimated to bring an economic impact of $10 million annually to the city and region. 75,000 to 100,000 regular customers visit annually.
The Z activity also supports about 180 jobs and is expected to add 15 full-time employees. The number of construction jobs is estimated in the range of 300-400.
Planning for the project began in 2018, and Z’s supporters were able to pursue them and persevere during the pandemic that closed theater doors for 19 months.
Asked if the task at hand had ever seemed “mind-boggling,” Gill said, “It’s daunting in every way. A complex task where the goalposts seem to move frequently. It’s a project,” he said with a smile.
This includes rising construction costs that have forced them to “reset and sharpen their pencils,” Gill said.
But there are many reasons for the effort.
“This is an important project for downtown. It’s important for the neighborhood, it’s for the community. It’s important for the artists. It’s important for the vitality of the economy. It’s important for the life and well-being and culture of our people in every way. It’s a building.” ‘Nothing to lose,’ said Gill.
As the fundraiser continued, the finish line was in sight.
However, there is one potential drawback.
This is a very difficult act to follow in 2123, when Z’s next renovation project begins.
