Whalers Cove is a 120 unit, 140 resident affordable senior housing project for low income, moderate income and market rate income seniors. Whalers Cove is an award winning historic restoration of a vacant mill building. The project was financed by combining public and private sector debt (DHCD Housing Stabilization Funds, City of New Bedford Home Funds, Mass Development Taxable and Tax Exempt Revenue Bonds) and private sector equity (Historic and Low Income Tax Credits). Whalers Cove is phase one of a ten acre urban site which will eventually provide affordable housing for independent seniors and market rate housing. The project team included Holland and Knight, Beaver Builders, CBT Architects, Commonweal Collaborative, Souza and True, BER Engineering, Dermarderosian and CB Richard Ellis.

A vacant mill building in a depressed urban area is developed to provide housing and services for moderate and low income seniors.

The building interior was in need of asbestos and lead remediation. The wide plank, beam and column structure upgraded for seismic codes.

The exterior shell was historically rehabilitated with new windows, re-pointing, brick placement and a new park created across the street.

The architectural design set the residential units along the exterior walls and the interior core allows for the common area support spaces.

The project entry was treated as a front porch. The scale, color and textures are vibrant and residential in character. The interiors evoke warmth and comfort.

The north and south gardens are open to the second floor and allow for passive recreation for the residents. A clerestory on the roof provides sunlight and solar gain.

The family room is one of many residents spaces for gathering with family and friends. The interior furnishings were selected to create an elegant, cheerful and simple home.