On June 28, the Zeiterion Theater hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the restoration and renovation of its 100-year old, 33,000 theater building in the heart of downtown New Bedford. The renovation will include a new marquee, box office, and upper lobby, two new lounge areas, a movement studio, restoration of the main theater space, improved sound and lighting, and accessibility upgrades.
The event, held under a tent outside the Zeiterion, celebrated the project and thanked the public for their support in making this transformative project a reality. It was attended by nearly two hundred community members, arts and culture advocates, and legislators. It concluded with leadership opting to smash a ceremonial wall instead of shoveling dirt to signify that the Z is reimaging old traditions for its new home.
The program included remarks from Zeiterion President & CEO Rosemary Gill, Mayor of the City of New Bedford Jon Mitchell, Representative Chris Hendricks, Representative Antonio Cabral, Senator Mark Montigny, Senator Michael Rodrigues, Kate Fox from Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, campaign co-chairs Deborah Baker and Joseph Nauman, and Zeiterion board chair Frank Almeida.
Affirmative secured approximately $8.5MM in federal and state historic tax credit equity plus capital campaign bridge debt from Bristol County Savings Bank.