Mass Historic and National Parks tour.

On September 25, leaders from Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) and National Park Services (NPS) visited New Bedford to tour several key projects in the city, along with leaders from WHALE and the City of New Bedford. The Z’s project was one of their stops. On the tour, MHC and NPS had a chance to view our progress, check in on important preservation requirements, and address any challenges the project may have. We were thrilled to welcome them into our construction zone!

Third floor removed.

The Zeiterion has been cleared out – not just seats and fixtures, but also walls and floors. One of the biggest changes is between the second and third floors. Most people haven’t been to the floors above the theater, but they are a big part of the renovation. The third floor has been removed to prepare for the movement studio and office space. Soon a large steel beam will be brought in to construct new flooring for the third floor. In the meantime, we’re enjoying the beautiful, original windows in their entirety.  

Theater interior dug up.

Once the seats and concrete removed from the theater, Colantonio dug up earth to address the slope. As they were digging, they hit ground water – it’s apparently named Spring Street for a reason! The concrete floor will be repoured, which will allow for better accessibility, including a new ramp, and improved sightlines throughout the auditorium. And of course, all new seats!

All exterior glass removed.

‍Colantonio has removed all the windows, including the large, two-story windows that overlook Purchase Street as well as the leaded glass above The Z lounge on the corner of Purchase and Spring Streets. The leaded glass is original to the building (1923) and was in significant need of repair. Each panel has been packed up and will be fully restored before returning to the façade. The two-story windows will also be returned to their original historic look.

Second and third floors were gutted. 

The top two floors above the theater were retrofitted in the 1970s to serve as office space for Paragon Travel, and eventually The Z, NBFT, and NBSO. Both floors have been completely removed of LOTS of wood paneling to make way for the incoming learning space, movement studio, lounge, and new offices.

‍Chandelier was packed up.‍

For the first time in more than 100 years, the chandelier has left the building! Designed specifically for the Zeiterion in 1923, the 2,000-lb chandelier was in need of some TLC. Lighting restoration specialists Grand Light carefully dismantled it piece by piece and hauled it away for re-cabling and deep cleaning.

‍Chairs were removed.

Colantonio’s first order of business was to remove the aged, worn chairs. The theater had four different styles that were second-hand 40 years ago! Once removed, Colantonio broke up and removed the concrete underneath. This will allow for a new slope, making it much safer, and brand-new seating, for increased capacity and accessibility.

‍Keys were handed over to the contractor.‍

On June 20, Z President & CEO Rosemary Gill turned the keys to Colantonio project manager Jacob Robitaille! The two met in the Zeiterion lobby for the hand-off.