NEW BEDFORD - Renovation of a downtown New Bedford building is scheduled to begin at the end of the week, turning the structure into a boutique hotel.

The New Bedford Office of Economic Development says the groundbreaking on the roughly $10 million renovation of the building at 218-226 Union Street is being held Friday at noon.

The Columbus Group, LLC, of Boston is renovating the 46,00 square foot building to feature 68 rooms and a restaurant and banquet space. The Waterford Hotel Group, LLC, will serve as the management company once the hotel is in operation. The hotel is expected to hire over 50 people.

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