Talbot Apartments to be renovated to former glory Author: Diocese of Fall River In the News 1 Feb 2024 Share NEW BEDFORD — Continuing the mission of serving those in need, the Diocese of Fall River is working to renovate the Talbot Apartments in New Bedford after a devastating fire in November of 2022 left the 26-unit low-income housing uninhabitable with smoke and water damage. The historic building, built in 1901, will be restored to its former glory with a tentative completion date of summer 2025. The Queen Anne architecture, popular in the early 19th century, landed the structure in the National Registry of Historic Places. The Talbot Apartment building before a 2022 fire made thelow-income housing uninhabitable. Renovations are underway to bring it back to life. An unofficial “gateway” into the North End of the city, the four-story multi-unit residence with its iconic turret, is visible from Route 18 and the entrance to Interstate 195. Located at 1168 Acushnet Ave, the building was known as the Waverly Hotel for many years then as Hotel Touraine. The diocese took ownership 10 years ago to expand housing opportunities for persons of limited financial means. Managed by Community Action for Better Housing (CABH), a mission of the diocese, the rehabilitation project is being led by CABH Interim Executive Director, Victor Andreozzi. “The renovation is well underway. We have gutted the interior and are weatherproofing the roof. We plan to have the new roof framed by the end of February,” Andreozzi said. Guzman Architects, LLC are providing the design work and A Plus Construction Corporation the building. When completed, there will be 26 single-person units on four levels, two will be handicap accessible on the first floor. Each studio unit will include a full bathroom, kitchenette and living space. Commercial space will also be available on the first floor. Potential tenants need to be referred through New Bedford Housing Authority or Catholic Charities of Fall River. Funding for the renovations comes from a variety of sources. According to Joe Harrington, Vice-Chancellor of Finance for the Diocese of Fall River, his team has been working with the city to apply for housing and historical restoration grants, as well as investigating other revenue streams. “We are estimating the cost at approximately $3.4 million. The significant costs include a state-of-the-art sprinkler and fire alarm system and the cost of keeping the building in compliance with historic preservation guidelines,” Harrington said. The diocese has applied for Community Preservation Act funding of $255,000, which would be used for windows, siding and interior and exterior paint. Harrington said there is insurance money from the fire that will be utilized, and they are looking for other grant opportunities. Discussions are underway with BayCoast Bank for the possibility of a loan as well. “It takes a village. We included our parish pastors from New Bedford in the discussions and they endorsed the project. The city is investing in the North End and together we are working to bring this landmark building back to its glory,” he said. Originally Published on The Anchor Diocese of Fall River Office of Communications Categories In the News Press Releases and Statements Messages from The Bishop Bishop's Blog Success Stories Photo Gallery Videos Uncategorized Related Posts In the News 7 Oct 2014 Red Mass to Take Place Oct. 19; Five to Receive St. Thomas More Award FALL RIVER — Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., will celebrate the annual Red Mass in the Fall River Diocese at 10 a.m., Sunday, October 19, in Saint Mary’s Cathedral, … Read More In the News 17 Jun 2019 Five Diocesan Priests to Retire FALL RIVER — Five priests will retire from parish ministry in the Fall River Diocese this summer after decades of dedicated service. To retire are Reverend Monsignor Edmund J. Fitzgerald, … Read More In the News 19 Oct 2016 Former Screen Actress, Now Benedictine, Mother Dolores Hartto Speak at Fall Scholarship Dinner WESTPORT — Mother Dolores Hart, O.S.B., who found success and fame on the screen and stage then chose to leave it behind to enter the abbey, will be the featured speaker … Read More