the future is now

From its new headquarters at 60 Eighth Street in New Bedford, The South Coast LGBTQ+ Network will create the future the LGBTQ+ community deserves, with a higher level of support, services, and connections than ever before. The South Coast LGBTQ+ Community Center, currently under development, will be a contemporary space where LGBTQ+ individuals and their families and allies can gather peacefully and express themselves joyfully. When it is completed in 2022, the new community center will enhance New Bedford’s reputation as a beacon of hope for this uniquely wonderful group of people who 
make the South Coast such a special place to live.

built to last

The building’s exterior is made primarily of concrete block in the Neo-Georgian architectural style, with a gambrel roof. It has distinctive elements of stone, slate, and copper that make it unique among other buildings in the area. The handicap-accessible interior features three levels of ample event and working space, as well as a large basement. The lot size is under an acre, with 46 feet of frontage. 

welcome inside

Our friends at the Waterfront Historic Area League (WHALE), who are renowned for their ability to revitalize some of New Bedford most iconic properties, filmed a brief tour of the unfinished insides of the future LGBTQ+ community center. As Teresa Willander from WHALE explains, the building spans three floors plus a basement, and provides endless opportunities for customization. We will be reconfiguring the space to help visitors move seamlessly from room to room. Have a look. (More photos below.)

space to grow

The interior design of the new center is a free-flowing combination of casual gathering areas and dedicated spaces for a broad range of administrative, community, and professional activities. (Plans are subject to change.)

a safe, welcoming, and nurturing place

In partnership with JMBA+Architects of New Bedford and the Waterfront Historic Area League (WHALE), we are designing the inside of the new community center to accommodate the LGBTQ+ community's wish list of activities in the areas of creative expression, social gathering, entertainment, health and wellness, and career training and development. The top floor of the building will be an efficient rental space for professionals who want to work in a prime downtown New Bedford location.

in the heart of the south coast

The future community center will be conveniently located in the heart of historic downtown New Bedford with easy access to all points in the South Coast. It will be close to all major businesses and waterfront attractions. The center will be a neighbor and partner to other LGBTQ+ and allied organizations such as AHA! New Bedford, The First Unitarian Church, and Gallery X.

momentum is building

Since announcing our intention to build a safe and welcoming space for the region’s LGBTQ+ individuals, families, and friends, The Network has experienced a wave of interest and an outpouring of support. SouthCoast Today online and The Standard-Times newspaper have provided comprehensive coverage of our plans, as has WBSM, The Public's Radio, and CAI. The New Bedford Guide has featured Network President Andy Pollock on The Paul Santos Show. As word of our plans gets out, we expect a robust, positive response to the future we envision for the LGBTQ+ community.