Candleworks Building, N. Water Street
Candleworks Building, N. Water Street
loading...

The historic Candleworks building in Downtown New Bedford has been sold, and a new restaurant is planned at the North Water Street site.

The former owner, Andrew Rockett has sold the Candleworks property to businessman Albert Santos for $1.7 million.  Santos also owns the Black Whale Seafood and Raw Bar restaurant on Pier 3, and the closed Royal II restaurant off Route 18.

A spokesman told the Standard Times Santos wants to locate Carmine's Italian Ristorante in the Candleworks building.  He said Carmine's could open this fall.,

The sale ends the prospects for a 141 room hotel in the Candleworks site.  Rockett had announced those plans in 2012 when he purchased the property.

Spokesman Luis DaSilva, the general manager, says Santos plans to stick with the restaurant business, at least for the near future.

The New Bedford Licensing Board Monday night is scheduled to hold a hearing on the transfer of Rocket's Candleworks liquor license to Carmine's.

More From WBSM-AM/AM 1420