There’s no doubt that apartments are a hot commodity in New Bedford. A completed 28-unit apartment complex in the Eighteen & Union housing development, overlooking the city’s waterfront, was unveiled in early December, but according to the developer, Lafrance Hospitality, almost the entire building has already been leased.
Apartment hunters may have better luck finding an apartment in 2025 when several new developments are in the works. Numerous housing projects have started in the heart of downtown and elsewhere in the city, some of which are nearing completion.
Here’s a look at some residential developments that will be completed by 2025 and will continue to change the look of the city.
There are also some major changes planned for projects due to be completed in 2026, but that’s for another time.
117 Union St.
One of the most notable developments in downtown New Bedford is the restoration of the historic Moby Dick Chandler Building at 117 Union St. into a five-story apartment building.
According to a Standard Times story about the groundbreaking project, it will include 45 mixed-income homes, with 14 studio apartments, 21 one-bedroom apartments and 10 two-bedroom apartments. In addition, there will be approximately 3,500 square meters of retail space on the ground floor.
The architectural firm Stantec designed 12 units for disabled accessibility and the entire building features high energy efficiency systems and design features.
According to co-developer Steven Beauregard, president of the New Bedford Development Corporation, the building is about 90 percent complete and should be ready for leasing in mid-to-late January.
A rendering of the future apartments in the historic Moby Dick Chandler Building at 117 Union St. can be seen in this Aug. 23, 2023, file photo.
Residential development: After years of obstacles, construction of the New Bedford apartment complex continues
A worker makes adjustments to the guardrail of one of the new apartments being built on Union Street in New Bedford
Homes in the old RMV in New Bedford
The 52-unit affordable housing complex in the former Registry of Motor Vehicles building at 278 Union St., called 10@8th, will feature apartments that are “affordable to low- and moderate-income working families,” according to the developer, Alinea Capital Partners. .
A view of the 10@8e apartment complex.
The real estate development and investment company behind the 10@8th transit-oriented development, led by managing member L. Duane Jackson, is headquartered in Boston and operates in Massachusetts, South Carolina and Florida.
According to Alinea Capital Partners, it will be the largest new construction project built in the city center in 38 years. Completion is currently expected in mid-2025. The five-storey building will also have underground parking for up to 19 vehicles, with charging points for electric vehicles.
Residential development: A 52-unit apartment project will replace a former RMV in New Bedford. What you need to know.
Developer ready to start building working family homes
Elmwater Landing
Formerly a craft burger restaurant, this four-story brick building was completed by Franklin Hospitality Corp. in June 2023. purchased for $1.7 million. The building has been empty for a few years. Franklin Hospitality Corp. is closely associated with Lafrance Hospitality of Westport.
The approximately $8 million renovation project for the 19-apartment development at 89 North Water St. is under construction and expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
This new project with its mix of commercial and residential activities follows in the footsteps of the company’s recently completed 18 & Union project. The company rehabilitated three historically significant buildings, the National Club and the Beckman Building, into 28 residential units.
Residential development: Building in downtown New Bedford, from burgers to homes. What you need to know.
Talbot Apartments
The nonprofit Community Action for Better Housing took ownership of the property in the 1990s, but a three-alarm fire in 2022 caused significant damage, leading to historic restoration and rehabilitation into affordable housing.
The building will also offer commercial space on the first floor.
New Bedford firefighter Mark Pacheco carries the hose after responding to a fire at 1168 Acushnet Avenue in New Bedford.
Residential development: A proposal is in the works to restore apartments at the former Waverly Hotel in New Bedford
Standard-Times staff writer Kathryn Gallerani can be reached at kgallerani@gannett.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.
Thanks to Frank Mulligan
This article originally appeared in the Standard-Times: New Bedford’s residential developments set to open in 2025
