New Bedford officials unveil major upgrades to Elm Street parking garage

Mayor Jon Mitchell and City officials announced significant upgrades to the Elm Street Garage, officially reopening the garage after renovations began in 2017.

The new renovation includes improvements to structural performance, security, lighting, and cosmetic changes to the lobby, stairs and elevator areas. New signage including electronic wayfinding signs have also been added to the garage.

“These major upgrades to the Elm Street Garage have significantly improved its security, image and ease of use for both residents and visitors to New Bedford,” said Mayor Jon Mitchell. “As more businesses and restaurants are opening and drawing more visitors to the downtown, the need for improved options for parking has also grown, and the renovated Elm Street Garage will provide an accessible option for downtown parking.”

In Fiscal Year 2015, the City established the Downtown Parking Enterprise Fund to finance improvements and renovations to transportation facilities downtown. Aging parking meters were replaced in 2014, and the city began its planning for renovation of the Elm Street Garage, with preliminary engineering completed in 2015.

The renovation included structural stabilization, enhancements to the appearance and curb appeal of the garage’s façade, redesign and installation of new LED lighting and security for interior spaces throughout the garage, and a redesigned entrance lobby. The stairways were also renovated, and auto-pay units for self-service were installed in the Elm Street Garage as well as the Zeiterion Garage on Purchase Street. Inside the garage, renovations and structural rehabilitation included resurfacing the concrete parking deck, replacement of parking stops and a fire protection system.

In addition to financing through the Downtown Parking Enterprise Fund, the City obtained a $511,254 award from the National Park Service’s Federal Land Access Program (FLAP) toward the project. In January 2017, the City Council unanimously approved a bond for $5,039,280 to finance the project. The Downtown Parking Enterprise Fund will fully support the debt service on the project.