Hotel Project Planned For Downtown New Bedford

There's a new $10 million hotel planned for Downtown New Bedford.

According to a release from the Mayor's office, the Columbus Group of Boston has announced plans to completely renovate the 46,000 square foot building at 218-226 Union Street into a boutique hotel.

The facility will have 68 rooms, a restaurant and banquet space, and expects to hire more than 50 people once fully staffed. The company hopes to start work very soon.

The Waterford Hotel Group LLC will serve as the management company for the hotel operation. The building has been vacant for some time. At one time, it housed the downtown offices of radio station WBSM.

The Columbus Group has experience in Downtown New Bedford. Its recently renovated the former Standard Times Building on Pleasant Street.