Renovation updates

Follow the building’s construction progress! Scroll down for the project’s evolution, starting with the latest news first.

Orchestra pit

One of the capital project’s exciting components is the new orchestra lift. Before the lift could be installed, they needed to make room for it first. The crew has now expanded the pit 4 ft. wider and 11 ft. deeper, and the concrete slab and walls have been poured and will soon be waterproofed. The next step will be to backfill around the pit to prepare for the installation of the lift, which will have four positions that, depending on the level, will provide storage for chairs and the Wurlitzer organ, capacity for 35 musicians to perform, additional theater seating, or extension of the stage.  

Ground water removal

When construction began, general contractor Colantonio expected to find some ground water – but they weren’t expecting nearly 3 ft. of it where the concrete slab for the orchestra pit belongs. At first, they pumped the water to a higher portion of the building so they could get to the underpinning that strengthens the foundation. To work on the orchestra pit slab, however, they had to pump the water out of the building completely. This is where the frac tank comes in. Water is pumped out and into a green tank behind the building. There the sediment settles, the water gets filtered, and then deposited into the sewer. The slab has now been waterproofed and poured, but the entire dewatering process will take another month or so.

Elevator Pit

Last month, we found a BIG surprise – the biggest since construction began. When digging for the new elevator pit (the deepest part of the project), the crew encountered ledge! This is a large continuous body of rock that takes extra care – and lots of time due to the tight work areas – to remove. They drilled down, poured grout to fracture the ledge, and are taking it out piece by piece. Even though it’s a time-consuming process, it thankfully doesn’t derail the project. There is just another foot to go before the new elevator pit can be placed.

Spotlight on Jacob

The project’s general contractor Colantonio might be based in Holliston, MA, but some of its team members have very local roots. One is Project Manager Jacob Robitaille. Born in New Bedford and raised in Fairhaven, he came to The Z for school field trips and his sisters’ and cousins’ dance recitals. He even had a cousin who was a Theatre Manager at The Z. After working in the DC area for a decade, he moved back to the Southcoast. Since he’s returned, he’s been to The Z for shows, mainly comedians. “I’m happy to be working on a project that means so much to the community I grew up in,” Jacob said.

Construction by the numbers

as of September 20

30 different trades

are working on site

100 dumpsters

have been filled with debris

11,000 hours worked

70 Workers

are employed on this project

300 tons of debris

have been removed from the building

94 days on site

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.

The Z breaks ground!

On June 28, we hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the restoration and renovation. The event, held under a tent outside the Zeiterion, celebrated the project and thanked the public for their support in making this transformative project a reality. It was attended by nearly two hundred community members, arts and culture advocates, and legislators. It concluded with leadership opting to smash a ceremonial wall instead of shoveling dirt to signify that we’re reimaging old traditions for the new Zeiterion.

The program included remarks from Zeiterion President & CEO Rosemary Gill, Mayor of the City of New Bedford Jon Mitchell, Representative Chris Hendricks, Representative Antonio Cabral, Senator Mark Montigny, Senator Michael Rodrigues, Kate Fox from Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, campaign co-chairs Deborah Baker and Joseph Nauman, and Zeiterion board chair Frank Almeida.

Crews begin A to Z upgrade for city’s storied theater
New Bedford Light | Arthur Hirsch  | July 8, 2024

Another 100 years: Zeiterion Theatre rebirth celebrated in New Bedford with groundbreaking
Standard Times | Frank Mulligan | July 1, 2024  (Updated July 9, 2024)

Colantonio, Inc., based in Holliston, MA, has been named the general contractor for this transformational project.

After a months-long public procurement process, Colantonio, Inc. has been named the general contractor for this transformational project. We are excited to welcome Colantonio to the team! You can learn more about their experience here.