Lafrance Hospitality buys building on Bethel Street in New Bedford: What is in their plans

Frank Mulligan, The Standard-Times
·1 min read

NEW BEDFORD - The building at 38 Bethel St., site of the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center, was recently purchased for $1,975,000.

Franklin Hospitality Corp., a corporation controlled by Lafrance Hospitality, bought the property from New Bedford Inc., according to property transfer records.

New Bedford Inc. bought the property in August 2020 for $1.3 million, according to city Assessor records. Albert Santos is listed as president of New Bedford Inc.

Lafrance Hospitality of Westport is primarily known for hotel and restaurant development. Lafrance Hospitality's portfolio includes 14 hotels, four restaurants, five function facilities and a catering company. Its properties include Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott New Bedford, TownPlace Suites by Marriott Wareham, Merrill's on the Waterfront and White's of Westport.

The building at 38 Bethel St., site of the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center, was recently purchased for $1,975,000.
The building at 38 Bethel St., site of the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center, was recently purchased for $1,975,000.

Lafrance Hospitality talks about the future

Sean Lafrance, Lafrance Hospitality director of facilities, said no changes are envisioned in the building's present use. The property abuts the building at 89 N. Water St., which the company purchased within the last year.

Lafrance said, "We're not changing its use. All of the tenants are remaining. We have good tenants in there. We purchased the property because it abuts our other property, which is 89 N. Water St."

The Bethel Street property abuts the building at 89 N. Water St., seen here from Elm Street, which Lafrance Hospitality purchased within the last year.
The Bethel Street property abuts the building at 89 N. Water St., seen here from Elm Street, which Lafrance Hospitality purchased within the last year.

The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center museum presents "the story of New Bedford's fishing community to the world," according to its website. It hosts a visit by all New Bedford public school students at least once during their K-12 school careers.

Laura Orleans, Center executive director, said they've been tenants at 38 Bethel St. since 2016.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: New owners of 38 Bethel Street talk about the New Bedford building