Bristol County Savings Bank opens its doors at the New Bedford Seaport with an impressive restoration

New Bedford Seaport Welcomes Bristol County Savings Bank to a New Home

The Candleworks building, circa 1810, located across from the New Bedford Harbor, is now home to Bristol County Savings Bank (BCSB), which was founded in 1846. One of three locations in New Bedford, this newly opened branch is the gem in its collection.

The building, which housed a factory that made candles from whale oil, has been transformed into bank offices atop a restaurant that has also opened recently. This new location has already begun to play an important role in New Bedford’s renaissance.

Housed at 70 North Water Street, alongside the cobblestones where whalers and sailors walked the history-worn streets—to and from the sea—the newly renovated offices are best described as works of art by any and all measurements.

Sensitive to the importance and provenance of the building, extensive planning and meticulous efforts have been dedicated to blending modern and efficient conveniences into the original structure and its impressive interior.

Working with the architectural firm studio2sustain of New Bedford, and builder A.P. Whitaker & Sons of West Bridgewater, BCSB has ensured that every element used to create an atmosphere of historic proportion reflects on a proud past, and provides a period experience for visitors.

Explaining the success of completing the extensive renovation of the building’s interior, Patrick Murray, President & CEO of Bristol County Savings Bank, commented that every employee is committed to improving their customer’s banking experience. Also, this branch, like their others, places a priority on convenience combined with state-of-the-art technology.

Exemplifying the pride of BCSB, Murray said that “...We encourage everyone to stop by, say ‘hello’ and take a look around as we think you will be as proud as we are with the end result.”

Outside of the building, adjacent to a remodeled Route 18, the public will find a drive-up area, (which is befitting its surroundings) offering modern banking services, such as interactive teller machines that can connect to live tellers who are available before and after regular branch hours.

Branch manager, Nancy Cabral, is also proud to be associated with the new location, evident by her enthusiasm when she said, “We are so excited to open our doors and further strengthen our connections in the downtown community.” But beyond the corporate statement, nothing compares to the warmth and neighborly feeling she shows guests and customers who express an interest in the new location.

With open arms, Cabral welcomes the inquisitive and offers tours and an explanation as to how traditional banking is changing. She points out details that will assist customers in getting the most from their visits and talks about how the bank has respect for the past, which is why they preserved the building.

The Candleworks branch of Bristol County Savings Bank has laid another cornerstone in the building of a community.