Press Release: 12/8/2025
Interior Construction Nears Completion at New 'Quest'
NEW BEDFORD – Construction is progressing at The Quest: New Bedford’s Enterprise Hub.
The interior construction phase of the top-to-bottom transformation of The Quest is on track and will wrap up early in 2026. Work at the site, 1213 Purchase St., includes a new entry lobby, atrium stairs, and common areas, as well as a completely renovated top floor with dedicated space for offshore wind and maritime industry businesses. The HVAC part of the project is now complete, and the new spaces are currently being completed with painting and other finishing details resulting in a new color scheme inspired by the City’s seafaring connections.
Externally, The Quest will feature new lighting, mechanical and utility upgrades, and a repointing of the brick facade. For this work, the Massachusetts-based company Contracting Specialist, Inc. was awarded the contract as the lowest responsible bidder in accordance with Massachusetts public procurement laws and brings extensive experience in institutional and municipal construction. This phase of the project is expected to start in early spring. Also part of the exterior work will be a new logo and sign on the side of the building, visible off JFK Boulevard on the way in and out of historic Downtown.
Mayor Jon Mitchell was joined by Vineyard Wind CEO Klaus Moeller and other officials last year to launch the project. Funding for the $3 million renovation includes a $1.5 million American Rescue Plan Act award from the City, and $1.5 million from Vineyard Wind’s Offshore Wind Industry Accelerator Fund, which aims to accelerate the development of offshore wind businesses, infrastructure, and supply chain in New Bedford and throughout Massachusetts.
The project is being overseen by P3 – Project Planning Professionals, an Owner’s Project Management (OPM) firm based in Norwell. With more than 15 years of experience managing public construction across Mass., P3 brings a strong track record of delivering complex projects on time and within budget. Its ongoing partnership with the City includes the highly anticipated restoration of the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center and construction of the new Congdon-DeValles Elementary School.
Leading the architectural design is RT Architecture (RTA), a respected Massachusetts firm with offices in Belchertown and Marion. RTA’s familiarity with the region includes previous work with New Bedford Public Schools and the historic restoration of the New Bedford Superior Court Cupola, bringing both local insight and technical expertise to the Quest project.
Interior construction is being carried out by JJ Cardosi, Inc.
The Quest reflects New Bedford’s continued commitment to investing in public facilities that support long-term community growth and development.
*Published Dec. 8, 2025