109 Hillman Street is a Romanesque Revival firehouse constructed between 1892 and 1893. It originally served as the Engine No. 5 House, one of the many neighborhood fire stations in New Bedford, and later served as the City’s Civil Defense headquarters.
The building stood vacant for years and suffered from serious neglect and water infiltration. The building was slated for demolition by the city, however, because of the importance of the structure as a historic landmark, and its contribution to the historic fabric of the neighborhood, WHALE stepped in to save it.
Six years (and one pandemic) later, WHALE is working with the city and a development partner, CMK Development Partners, on rehabilitating the Hillman Street Firehouse for affordable and market rate. WHALE and CMK formed Hillman Firehouse, LLC to make the project a reality.
This $3.9 million restoration project is supported by local CPA funds, HOME funds, state funds, ARPA and historic tax credits. Work will include the reconstruction of the historic dormers, masonry restoration and returning this unique and highly visible piece of New Bedford history to active and vital use. The property was transferred from the city to Hillman Firehouse LLC in February, 2025 and emergency stabilization work began immediately. The completed project will provide 8 units of housing, 5 of which will be affordable.
To follow the project’s progress, visit the Hillman Firehouse Blog, created and hosted by CMK.
