Beginning in the summer of 2014, Phase I of The Zeiterion renovation focused primarily on the exterior of the building and included repointing of the brick façade, three banks of doors with beautiful mill work, along with the restoration and replacement of much of the original architectural white terra cotta trim.
The $1.1 million project was funded and managed by the City of New Bedford through a combination of the City’s Capital Improvement Program, and grants from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, and the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s Cultural Facilities Fund.
“The Zeiterion is our region’s premiere performing arts center, one of the most important cultural institutions in New Bedford, and a major economic driver for our downtown,” said Mayor Jon Mitchell. “The building—inside and out—should reflect its stature as a presenter of world-class programming. The completion of this initial phase of the façade restoration is a major milestone toward returning this building to its original glory.”