Up-Close Look at Renovation of New Bedford’s Zeiterion PAC

When the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center in downtown New Bedford closed its doors last year to start a $37 million renovation project, no one quite knew what to expect.

Since then, Zeiterion President and CEO Rosemary Gill and her staff have done an outstanding job explaining what the project entails, displaying renderings of the "new" Zeiterion on its website, and sharing them on other social media platforms.

On Thursday, February 20, the Zeiterion PAC went one step further, inviting the press and other guests to take part in an hour-long walking tour of the 100-year-old theatre.

"We've got members of the press and some community stakeholders, about 40 people in all, taking part in the walking tour," Gill said, speaking on Townsquare Sunday. "It's an opportunity for people to see all of the progress that's being made."

Perhaps the most drastic change has happened in the main auditorium, where all seats have been ripped out and the floor removed to make way for tunnels stretching from the stage to the back of the house that will be home to the theatre's HVAC, sound and lighting systems.

Cement for the orchestra pit has now been poured, and the Zeiterion's crystal chandelier is being restored in Connecticut.

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"In a couple of weeks, if not sooner, contractors will be pouring a new cement floor for the theatre," Gil said. "When that's done, they'll put up the scaffolding so that the plaster and paint experts can come in and begin to restore the interior of the theater. We are very much looking forward to that."

Another interesting fact from Gill: about half of the total cost of the renovation is being used to bring the performing arts center building up to code.

Extensive work has been done, but the project is no where near finished. Gill expects that by April or May the renovations will be 60 percent complete. She is hoping to open the doors of the "new" Zeiterion in late 2025 or early 2026.

If you would like your organization featured on Townsquare Sunday, please email the host at jim.phillips@townsquaremedia.com.