New Bedford’s Historic Wharfinger Building Is Sitting Empty After Mirasol’s Cafe Departure

New Bedford's Historic Wharfinger Building is still empty months after Mirasol's Cafe announced in April that it would not open its waterfront location on New Bedford's City Pier 3 this summer.

The news was crushing for ChiPPi fans and visitors looking for a cool drink and a snack while touring New Bedford's working waterfront.

Mirasol's Cafe Leaves City Pier 3 After Four Summers

In a statement last spring, Mirasol's said, "After four wonderful summers, our New Bedford cafe will not be reopening for the coming 2026 summer season." The announcement was enough to take the wind out of the sails of Mirasol's faithful.

READ MORE: Mirasol's Not Reopening New Bedford Location

Not only was it sad to see Mirasol's Cafe close its doors, but also to see the historic Wharfinger Building lie empty again. It was such a vibrant place with a rich connection to New Bedford's fishing industry.

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Built by the WPA: A Storied History on New Bedford's Waterfront

According to the National Park Planner, the Wharfinger Building was constructed between 1934 and 1935 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) "to serve as the headquarters for the city's 'wharfing' (the manager of the wharf) who collected fees and oversaw shipping operations."

New Bedford's Wharfinger Building Still Empty After Mirasol's Departure

The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center says that in 1941, local fishermen no longer had to sell their catch in New York and "boat captains went to the different (New Bedford) fish houses looking for the best price."

"In September 1947, the city added on to the Wharfinger Building to house daily auctions," the Center wrote. That lasted until 1985, when a strike between fishermen and boat owners led to private sales.

In 1994, the Whaling City Seafood Display Auction was established.

The Wharfinger Building served for a brief time as both a tourism and information center and once housed the office of the Harbor Master.

City Officials Weigh Options for the Vacant Pier 3 Landmark

City of New Bedford Public Information Officer Jonathan Darling says, "There have been discussions about the future of that building, but nothing to share at this point."