Public/Private Partnership Turns Derelict Building into New Housing Development

NEW BEDFORDMayor Jon Mitchell was joined by Richard Lafrance and other members of the Lafrance family, and other state and local officials Tuesday morning to celebrate the opening of Downtown’s latest success story, the Eighteen & Union housing development.

Developed by Lafrance Hospitality, Eighteen & Union involved the complete renovation of vacant and underutilized properties on Commercial Street into 28 new apartments in one of the most-visible locations in historic Downtown New Bedford, the corner of Union Street and JFK Boulevard/Route 18.

Funding for the project comes from a mix of public and private sources, including a total of $2.85 million from the City’s Housing Expansion Initiative and Vacant or Abandoned Property Rehabilitation Program, which are funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Other funding includes state and federal tax credits, and private investments from Lafrance Hospitality and BayCoast Bank.

Eighteen & Union is the latest example of the City successfully utilizing federal funds and other tools to spur the transformation of underutilized and vacant buildings into new housing units,” Mayor Jon Mitchell said. “This building will serve as the front porch of the Downtown, greeting residents and visitors crossing over from the waterfront.”

“We are thrilled to announce the completion of Eighteen & Union, a project that stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and community revitalization,” said Lafrance Hospitality co-CEO Sean Lafrance. “This achievement would not have been possible without the support of the City of New Bedford and Mayor Jon Mitchell, Carl Taber and BayCoast Bank, Jay Lanagan of Lanagan & Co., and D.F. Pray. Lafrance Hospitality Company is deeply grateful for their partnership and commitment to bringing new life to these three historic buildings. Together, we are creating a vibrant future for New Bedford.”

“BayCoast Bank is truly honored to support Lafrance Hospitality’s inspiring rehabilitation project, bringing new and affordable housing to New Bedford’s historic district,” said Carl Taber, Executive Vice President, Chief Lending Officer of BayCoast Bank. “Situated across from the State Pier, this remarkable development is giving new life to several historical properties in the Union Street area. We are proud to be a part of this important investment, as we witness the continued transformation and growth of the city’s downtown area. We are excited for the future and the positive impact this project will have on New Bedford.”

The development includes the revitalization of 13-19 Commercial St., a wood-frame building previously owned by Beckman Marine Supply that is one of the oldest buildings in the historic district, and the granite building located at 21-35 Commercial St., which was the home of Beckman Marine Supply until 2021. The wood and granite were restored during construction to preserve the historic aesthetic of the district.

Also included in the project is The National Club building on the corner of Union and Front streets. The historic fishermen’s bar, which has sat vacant for more than a decade, is in the middle of a transformation into an upscale Mexican restaurant that is set to open in the spring.

Eighteen & Union is one of several new Downtown housing projects in various stages of development, including:

  • A five-story mixed commercial/residential building nearing completion at 117 Union St.
  • Lafrance Hospitality’s $8 million rehabilitation at 89 N. Water St. into Elmwater Landing apartments.
  • The five-story 10th@8th Apartments building at the former RMV site at 278 Union St.
  • A new commercial/residential building at the former Keystone Building at 193-197 Union St.