Former Star Store Building in New Bedford to Become Regional Arts Hub
The vacant 150,000-square-foot Star Store building in New Bedford, Massachusetts, will be transformed into a regional hub for the arts, city officials have announced. The Arts and Business Council of Greater Boston (A&BC) and the New Bedford Economic Council (NBEDC) have signed a memorandum of understanding, marking a key step in the effort to redevelop the historic structure. Under the agreement, A&BC will invest in the preservation and revitalization of the Downtown landmark.
“This partnership between the NBEDC and the A&BC lays the foundation for the Star Store’s reactivation as an anchor institution and economic driver in Downtown New Bedford,” said Mayor Jon Mitchell. “The A&BC has a proven track record of success with arts-based developments, and they will be a welcome addition to our city.”
Originally a department store, the building had most recently been used by UMass Dartmouth’s College of Visual and Performing Arts before its departure to the university’s main campus in 2023. Following the university’s exit, the city and NBEDC engaged real estate firm JLL to evaluate potential reuse options. The study concluded that the building is best suited for educational and creative purposes, such as classrooms or artist studios.
The redevelopment is expected to breathe new life into Downtown New Bedford, reinforcing its identity as a cultural and creative center.
