The Community Economic Development Center (CEDC) of New Bedford has launched a project to renovate the Capitol Theater to honor its architectural and cultural heritage.
The CEDC plans to create six apartments on the second floor offering units with one and two bedrooms. The offices of the CEDC will be on the first floor. There will also be a branch of Southcoast Federal Credit Union, an office that provides legal assistance with immigration, and a small clinic affiliated with New Bedford Community Health Center, in addition other services for the community.
Corinn Williams, Executive Director of the CEDC, said the cost for the project has been $4m so far. Additional funding is expected from the state and other organizations given the historic value of the building. Williams added that financing is also available through historic tax credits and the state and federal governments have financed the project to completion.
There will be a lottery system for assigning the six apartment units. Those interested in these units can visit the current office of the CEDC on North Front Street to apply. Brochure printing can be used to provide more details on such apartments.
So far, the asbestos in the building has been cleaned up and the current phase involves restoring the historic brick and installing new windows. The building is expected to be open to the public by the end of 2027 or early 2028.
