New Bedford’s Zeiterion Theater Breaks Ground on Renovation Project

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — The City of New Bedford is celebrating the much-anticipated groundbreaking for restoring and renovating the Zeiterion Theater downtown.

A new chapter for the Zeiterion and a long-time investment for the city are among the renovations to transform the 100-year-old building into a state-of-the-art facility.

Get our free mobile app

The Performing Arts Center on Purchase Street has always been significant to the community. Originally built in 1923, the theater became a hub for the arts and a place of togetherness, bringing different communities together. As construction begins this year, a new historically appropriate marquee will be returned to the facade.

What to Expect with the Zeiterion Renovations

Once completed, guests will experience a state-of-the-art facility, a gathering place for the public on show nights and beyond. Renovation plans are expected to invest in the city's tourism atmosphere and educational opportunities.

As a result, a movement studio, speakeasy lounge, and dedicated education spaces will be created.

"This improvement project allows all three non profit organizations – the Zeiterion, the New Bedford Orchestra, and New Bedford Festival Theater – to expand our education programs for local school children and students of all ages, so that we can all learn from and through the arts," said Zeiterion Theater President and CEO Rosemary Gill.

On the renovated third floor, a large movement studio and a second classroom space are planned, and a basement speakeasy will host performances, community events, film screenings and more.

Mayor Jon Mitchell also highlighted how restoring the historic theater will greatly impact the city of New Bedford and its downtown area, as will the increased demand for hotel and restaurant reservations.

"That's the impact," he said. "It's the hotel, it's the restaurant, it's the people that those places employ and the opportunity that those job can give them and their families."

The project addresses deferred maintenance and includes new seats and restrooms, accessibility upgrades, improved sound and lighting, and an expanded lobby while maintaining the theater's historical features.

Vision Behind the Renovations and Funding

Beginning in 2018, the Zeiterion Theater kicked off a capital campaign, and in 2021, they received $1 million to support the marquee and other aspects of the project.

The project will play a significant role in post-pandemic recovery, with an estimated $10 million annual economic impact on the region.

READ MORE: What Was the Very First Show at the Zeiterion 100 Years Ago?

As a municipally-owned building, the City of New Bedford is also investing $7.6 million in the project. Deborah Baker, the Co-Chair of the Zeiterion Capital Campaign Committee, said the campaign's public phase will also be announced soon.

Senator Mark Montigny, who also spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony, said the funding contributions are expected to be amplified through the upgraded building.

"It will be more than ever a community gathering space for the performing arts, an economic engine for New Bedford and the SouthCoast area," he said.

Once the project is complete, the Zeiterion is anticipating 14 new hires and expanded operations, which will yield an additional $1.6 million annually in economic impact.

According to Gill, the multi-million dollar project will create a performing arts center for the next century, weaving together the many investments in the city and region.

Colantonio Inc. has been named the general contractor, and Wilson Butler Architects designed the restoration and renovation plans.

The restoration and renovation of the Zeiterion Theater is expected to take 14 to 18 months, with plans to be completed in 2025.