NEW BEDFORD — On Jan. 18, 1977, a gas explosion shook downtown New Bedford, severely damaging several historic structures including the Selmar Eggers building. On May 8, the building at 1 Johnny Cake Hill, officially reopened after completing its restoration efforts to house new local businesses.
“This latest intervention is by far the best, a well-done undertaking that not only looks fabulous but also gives a nod to its history,” said Mayor Jon Mitchell during the building’s rededication ceremony on Thursday.
“What’s become of it now is really a terrific reflection of what downtown has become. It is about art. This gallery is going to do fabulous because of its location, but also because of how it’s executed.”
Due in part to the help of the Waterfront Historic Area LeaguE (WHALE), the iconic building is example of the city’s commitment to preserving history while fostering a vibrant downtown community.
“Preservation isn’t a one-time act. It’s constant through the day-to-day stewarding of these historic buildings and the work that has gone into preserving them, their layers of history, their stories, and adapting them to new and creative uses,” said Erin Miranda, executive director of WHALE.
“The Eggers building is a fantastic example of how WHALE has worked over six decades. We save, restore, and pass on these buildings to new stewards…who carry on the act of preservation every day through their ownership and dedication, hopefully inspiring others along the way.”
New wine bar to open in Eggers building
Recently updated by new owners, the building now features thriving businesses such as the Cozy Crib, Kettle Black Gallery and the soon-to-open Coastal Bubbles & Wine Bar – which received their liquor licenses 30 minutes before the event.
“Thank you for all the efforts you guys have done collectively to keep the dream alive here in New Bedford,” said Alan Foshay, who co-owns the wine bar with his wife Tammy Foshay.
They have managed the Westport’s Wine, Cheese and Chocolate festival as well as the Coastal Wine Trail for the Southeastern New England American Viticultural Area.
“We’re grateful to be here and look forward to becoming another active member of the growing hospitality community here in New Bedford.”
Anthi Frangiadis, owner of The Drawing Room and one of the people behind the restoration of the building, said she has been observing New Bedford come alive and thrive like never before.
“Through all the drastic change and modernization around the city … with reimagined parks, updated public spaces, new businesses, state-of-the-art public schools and the blossoming of the downtown arts and culture scene, New Bedford has come alive,” she said.
City Council President Shane Burgo also spoke during the press conference saying New Bedford is all about preserving its history and giving its old buildings new life.
“Today’s celebration is more than a tribute to bricks and mortar, it’s a tribute to community, to collaboration, to the belief that what came before us still has something powerful to offer the present and the future,” he said.
“Let today serve as a reminder that historic preservation is not a passive act. It is a bold commitment to both legacy and possibility.”
Standard-Times staff writer Seth Chitwood can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on twitter:@ChitwoodReports. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.