How WHALE Is Transforming Forgotten New Bedford Landmarks Into New Housing

The Waterfront Historic Area League, or WHALE, has been preserving and restoring important and historic housing properties in New Bedford for more than 60 years. The nonprofit organization is now working in city neighborhoods to restore landmark properties for housing and other purposes.

WHALE Executive Director Erin Miranda stopped by Townsquare Sunday to discuss WHALE's mission and promote three upcoming events on the organization's calendar.

"I'm a SouthCoast native and grew up in Mattapoisett and really blame my grandmother and her old farmhouse for why I like old things," Miranda said. "While I was attending Roger Williams University working on a degree in Preservation, Tony Souza (a former WHALE Executive Director) gave a talk on preservation during one of my classes."

Miranda credited Souza with getting her started in the field of preservation. After graduation, she was hired by Souza for a volunteer opportunity at WHALE, and he later helped her find a full-time job position at a statewide preservation organization. She returned to WHALE four years ago to become the executive director.

"WHALE has proven that preservation isn't only about saving the past, it's about retaining places with a storied connection to the past, while providing for current and future community needs," she said.

Transforming New Bedford Landmarks Into Community Housing

One such place is the old firehouse at County and Hillman Streets. WHALE is working with development groups, financial partners and others to convert the once run-down fire station into eight units of housing. Five will be affordable units and three will be at market rate.

"This project was at a crossroad when I came to WHALE," Miranda said. "The building was in deplorable shape, but we have partnered with CMK Development Partners, and they have done a tremendous job. The state has also helped with Historic Tax Credits, so the historic firehouse doors and other items have been restored. It's going to be remarkable." An announcement is coming soon.

Free Workshops for Historic Homeowners

If you have purchased an old building or historic home, and plan on restoring it, you are probably asking yourself, where do I start? WHALE is looking to help you answer that question with two free programs in November. The first is Wednesday, November 4, at 5:30 p.m. at the Whaling National Historical Park Visitor Center Auditorium, located at 33 William Street. Realtor Diane Henry will share her historic home restoration journey and advice.

The second forum is November 18, also at the Whaling National Historical Park on William Street at 5:30 p.m. Dennis Berrios will share his experience and advice restoring his own New Bedford home.

"We've called this our 'Living in an Old House Dream Series,'" Miranda said. "The whole point was to get owners of old and historic homes to share their experience. We're really trying to connect other property owners with people who have faced similar challenges." Again, both programs are free of charge.

WHALE Holiday House Tour Returns This December

Save the date for WHALE's Holiday House Tour, happening December 13 from noon to 4 p.m. It's a self-guided walking tour with visitors invited to step inside seven historic New Bedford properties, each decorated for the holidays. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased at waterfrontleague.org.

If you would like your nonprofit organization featured on Townsquare Sunday, please email the host at jim.phillips@townsquaremedia.com.