Renovation of New Bedford’s Zeiterion Now 60 Percent Complete

The "new" Zeiterion Performing Arts Center in downtown New Bedford is starting to take shape. The $37 million renovation project, which began last summer, is now headed into the home stretch.

President and CEO Rosemary Gill stopped by Townsquare Sunday to give us an update.

"The contractor has now poured new concrete into the auditorium in three stages and that was a big, big deal for us, making that area feel even more cavernous," Gill said.

Concrete has also been poured for the new "speakeasy" area, which will be located at the corner of Purchase and Spring Streets.

In addition to the concrete, scaffolding has been set up on the walls around the auditorium to make way for painters and plasterers to do their work.

"It took about three weeks to install the scaffolding, and so, it's a sight to behold," Gill said. "It does not look like a theater right now, but without a doubt we are under construction, and something exciting is about to happen."

"Work on the second and third floors is also progressing very nicely," she said. "That's where we'll have a new second floor lounge plus new office spaces. On the third floor, we'll have a new movement studio with multiple uses.  Work on the third floor is actually ahead of schedule."

The Zeiterion is continuing its fundraising drive to raise the final $3 million for the renovation project. Donations can be made by visiting zeiterion.org.

The Z will also be holding a fundraising event on Wednesday, June 18 at Cisco Brewers in New Bedford's South End. The "Raise The Roof Dance Party" will run from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.  Tickets are pay-what-you-can, but the minimum donation is $25. East Coast Soul will provide the music. Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Z's website.

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