New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
New Bedford Invites Proposals for Redevelopment of Former Civil Defense Headquarters
The City of New Bedford has issued a formal “request for proposals” from qualified developers for the acquisition and rehabilitation of 109 Hillman Street. The property is located in the North Bedford National Historic District and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
The building was constructed in 1893 and once served as the headquarters of the City’s Civil Defense. It is a two-and one half story brick Romanesque Revival structure with belt courses and a shaped parapet on the south façade. It has a peaked asphalt roof and a tower exists on the east side of the building.
The property is within a ten minute walk of Downtown New Bedford which features many shops, restaurants, office buildings, a community health center, court houses, City Hall, Main Library, US Post Office, bus terminal, Bristol Community College, UMass Dartmouth College of Visual and Performing Arts, the National Park, the Zeiterion Theatre, as well as numerous museums and art galleries.
“Throughout the United States, historic fire houses have been repurposed for a variety of uses, including pizza parlors, artist studios, office space and even residences in some cases. The unique architecture and prime location of New Bedford’s former Civil Defense building makes it an attractive investment and the City looks forward to its revitalization,” said Anne Louro, City of New Bedford Preservation Planner.
“For the right developer with the right project, this property will be a great investment. It is a fantastic location and the recent zoning change from residential to mixed-use business creates opportunities at the site that haven’t existed in the past. We are looking for a project that will make a positive contribution to the neighborhood,” said Mayor Jon Mitchell.
June 21, 2013 is the deadline to respond to the City’s Request for Proposals.
Whatever is done with this beautiful building it will probably be controversial. Judging from the vitriolic reaction to the rehab on the corner of County and Allen Streets in the South End, you can’t satisfy anyone. I believe resoration of historic structures is worth the taxpayers money. This kind of architecture is part of what makes New Bedford a special place. Restoration will help connect this historic neighborhood to it’s heritage, promote civic pride and provide jobs and functional space whether it be residential or commercial or any combination of these. The photo above does not do justice to the building. There are many colors, textures and nuances in it’s design. It abounds with ornamental brickwork and sculped terracotta ornament. I drive past it everyday and am so happy to hear that some attention is being paid to this lovely structure again.
What’s the latest on this building? Did anyone actually take it over? I drove by today and it looks the same… about to collapse.