For over 10 years, the vacant “Barker’s Lane Block” was an abandoned hole in New Bedford’s historic district.
In the middle of downtown’s newly revitalized restaurants, tourist destinations, educational space and retail shops, these buildings remained damaged, untouched and wouldn’t have survived another winter without intervention.
In 2015, WHALE acquired the buildings at 135-137 and 141 Union Street. We then collaborated with community members on an idea to create a hub for local arts with gallery space and affordable maker space for local artists, as well as mixed-income housing on the upper floors as well as commercial space for local businesses.
Out of this endeavor came the Co+Creative Center, with a mission to establish a footprint for creative enterprise in the historic downtown to connect, support and celebrate artists and cultural entrepreneurship. Co+Creative continues to inspire and support artists and creatives in New Bedford, www.cocreativenb.org.
By 2018, this formerly abandoned block was transformed into a collaborative retail, living and arts space that includes a gallery, education and maker space in the heart of downtown’s historic district. The Waterfront Historic Area League (WHALE), as owner and developer, collaborated with architect studio2sustain and project partners including MassDevelopment and Bristol County Savings Bank.
In 2026, after nearly a decade of ownership and management, WHALE transferred the buildings to a new owner. Having accomplished our mission of revitalization and preservation, and having helped create spaces that support and encourage creatives, we are proud of the work accomplished at our former Union Street properties.
https://cocreativenb.org/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prGoTOceS0g
