New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
On April 15, 1912, as people in New Bedford were getting ready for the Grand Opening of the Orpheum Theatre, little did they realize that the famed steamship, “RMS Titanic” had struck an iceberg and sank, taking along over 1,500 souls on that very same day.
But although the Titanic was lost, the Orpheum Theatre and French Sharpshooters’ Hall opened to large crowds. It was one of the jewels of this area’s many theaters. It was cherished for its entertainment by many of this region’s local citizens for 46 years until it closed in 1958.
The site has gone up for sale several times over the years, but the knowledge of having to spend a substantial amount of money to renovate the building so it can be operated is a hurdle that many haven’t wanted to leap over. Some have suggested renovating it and re-opening it as a theater so that the South End of the city has an equivalent of the Zeiterion. Some have proposed knocking it down and throwing up a big-block store or a franchise like Sonic. Quite a number of people don’t want the building razed because of its historic value.
RE/MAX Vantage photo.
Many have suggested with the housing market that Massachusetts and the South Coast in general (and the nation for that matter) and New Bedford specifically experiencing a housing and rental crisis, the site could alleviate pressure with low-income housing or even condominiums.
One resident wanted to know why the city didn’t use part of the $31 million dollars of funding it gave the Zeiterion and restore the theater. This would bring some much-needed arts and culture to the city’s south end.
Meanwhile, the site sits there decaying, crumbling, falling apart, and getting less viable as the years pass. Last week, the site at 1005 South Water Street went up for sale again. “#NEW Unique opportunity for investment in retail/warehouse space 16,385 sq. ft. on 1st floor. The 2nd floor is a theater built in 1912, previously an opera house. Open your imagination and creativity.” said a Facebook post from RE/MAX Vantage.
Going price? $599,900.
RE/MAX Vantage photo.
While the expense that will be necessary to make the site useable is a negative, there are quite a few positives about the site: easy access from Route 18, some of the city’s best restaurants and cafes are a stone’s throw away, as are parks, beaches, a hotel and historic downtown. The latter factors make it a boon for the city and any business that would take over the site because it makes it worth a drive and making a day or night out of it.
With the South Coast Rail nearing completion, people could hop onto a train from as far away as Boston or Providence and enjoy a show then dine nearby, get some cocktails, go for a stroll, and see the sites.
What do you think it would cost to keep the building and reuse it as a theater? Better to raze it and replace it with a new structure? What should the site and/or building be used for?
All photos by RE/MAX Vantage:
