Holy Family Revitalized into New Housing Development

NEW BEDFORD – Mayor Jon Mitchell, elected officials, The Office of Housing and Community Development, BayCoast Bank, and CMK Development Partners gathered on Friday to cut the ribbon on the newly developed ‘121 North’ apartment building, the site of the former Holy Family High School.

The building includes fifteen apartments, with five income-restricted units funded through the City’s HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds, and ten market-rate units. The apartments feature energy-efficient appliances, modern finishes, ample natural light, and laundry.

Earlier in June of 2023, Mayor Mitchell announced more than $11 million in funding being awarded to new housing developments, with $1.55 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds, and the HOME program going toward 121 North. The building was developed by CMK Development Partners, led by Colleen Kavanaugh, and the building will be professionally leased and managed by HallKeen Management.

The completed project is consistent with the goals of Building New Bedford, a city-wide, comprehensive housing plan announced by Mayor Mitchell in March, which highlighted that the City was facilitating the construction of new units of housing with funding through ARPA and HOME Investments Partnership Program. The goal of the plan is to increase the supply of housing at every income level.

“New Bedford is forging ahead with the creation of new housing units,” said Mayor Mitchell. “The Kavanaughs and their team at CMK have continuously shown passion for developments that will confer lasting benefits to the City.”

“The  City of New Bedford is continuing to lead the way on using ARPA funds to combat the housing shortage, and the 121 North Project is a shining example of federal, state, local, and private investment working together to support and improve the community,” said Congressman Bill Keating. “Generations of New Bedford families will benefit from the work of CMK Development and Mayor Mitchell to restore this blighted property and increase housing stock, and I am glad to know that federal funds I fought for are making a difference here in the City.”

“121 North is a true success story. Through the pandemic, CMK Development, Mayor Mitchell’s office, the Planning Department, and various city boards worked tirelessly to turn this idea into a reality,” said Colleen Kavanaugh. “Until the 1980s, this was an iconic high school, educating hundreds of New Bedford residents going back several generations. Now, after decades of neglect, this formerly abandoned, boarded-up building has come full circle and will be a dramatic asset for the city and the neighborhood, and we are thrilled to be part of it.”