NEW BEDFORD – Local government officials joined WinnCompanies, an affordable housing developer and property management company, Friday to announce the adaptive reuse of the historic Manomet Mills facility Friday.
The mill, constructed in 1903, will be converted into a mixed-income housing community for people over the age of 55 and will be called Cliftex Lofts.
“The renovation of the long vacant Cliftex mill will provide a new community of homes for the city of New Bedford’s seniors, will create local jobs and will serve to complement the other revitalization efforts along the Acushnet River,” said Gilbert Winn, managing partner at WinnCompanies.
The $30 million project will create 445 construction jobs and will take place in two phases of 76 and 75 units. It will be LEED certifiable once finished, a news release said.
The mill was originally a cotton processing facility and later occupied by New Bedford Rayon Company. The project is to be funded through federal, state and city funds.
The announcement was made Friday afternoon with Mass. Gov. Deval L. Patrick, New Bedford Mayor Scott W. Lang, the city’s Economic Development Council Executive Director Matthew Morrissey, and John W. Keith of Cliftex Lofts LLC in attendance.
“Cliftex is the anchor property for the city’s near-North End waterfront revitalization. Its redevelopment will provide real jobs, which will help revive our local economy,” said Lang. “This mill property will enhance the quality of life for city residents by improving housing options and developing another social and economic center for New Bedford.”
