The Love The Ave Partnership is excited to unveil our brand-new website, a refreshed and reimagined digital home for everything happening on Acushnet Avenue and throughout New Bedford’s North End. With improved navigation, a vibrant new look, and expanded content, lovetheave.com is now positioned to be your go-to source for news, events, and stories that define The Ave—while also connecting visitors to the broader city through Explore New Bedford.
The new site was brought to life by the talented local team at Medium Studio, building on the distinctive visual identity developed by Over/Under. You’ll recognize elements of that design throughout the site—also reflected on the bold street banners that first debuted along Acushnet Avenue in late 2025 (and yes, they’ll be making their return this spring).
One of the most exciting additions is the ability for followers to subscribe directly on the site. By signing up, you’ll be notified via email whenever the Love The Ave Newsletter is posted as well as special features, updates, and timely news alerts that keep you connected to the pulse of the corridor. Look for the ENEWS SIGN-UP button on the front page and sign up today! Or, scroll down below for the sign-up.
This new digital platform is part of a larger effort to elevate and promote The Ave and New Bedford’s North End as a unique and dynamic destination. It’s a vision that has been decades in the making. As far back as the late 1970s, initiatives like the North End Commercial Improvement Project aimed to create a strong identity for the area—an idea that, at the time, remained just out of reach.
Today, that vision is becoming reality.
Acushnet Avenue is experiencing a true renaissance, with a level of diversity, energy, and cultural vibrancy not seen in generations. Fueled in part by its designation as a MassDevelopment TDI District, and strengthened by the partnerships and momentum that have followed, The Ave is once again emerging as a central hub of community life and commerce.
The Love The Ave Partnership is proud to help tell that story—connecting residents, businesses, and visitors through tools like our new website, and helping to ensure that the North End’s long-held promise continues to grow and thrive.
Subscribe today to show how much YOU Love The Ave!
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Innovation in Action at Global Learning Charter Public School
A new space for creativity and hands-on learning has officially opened in New Bedford’s North End. Global Learning Charter Public School has launched its new Innovation Lab at 101 Nye Street, and it’s designed to be as accessible as it is inspiring.
The Innovation Lab welcomes not only students and staff, but the broader Greater New Bedford community as well. Equipped with cutting-edge tools—including computers, a Cricut, a Glowforge laser cutter, and a 3D printer—the lab offers opportunities for makers of all skill levels to experiment, design, and bring ideas to life.
Whether you’re looking to learn something new through a guided workshop or simply need space and equipment to work on your own project, the lab provides a supportive environment with trained student staff on hand to assist.
Open Lab Hours:
Tuesdays & Thursdays | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Registration is required and space is limited—so be sure to reserve your spot and see what you can create. Contact GLPCS here.
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A pair of milestones on The Ave
A Legacy of Craft and Care – Precision Window & Kitchen Turns 37 – For 37 years, Precision Window & Kitchen at 1111 Acushnet Avenue has been more than a home improvement destination—it’s been a quiet steward of The Ave. Their commitment extends beyond their doors, with staff regularly keeping their entire block clean and welcoming. It’s this pride of place that continues to make a difference in the North End of New Bedford.
86 Years Strong – Folco’s Jewelers Shines On – Now located at 1697 Acushnet Avenue, Folco’s Jewelers marks an extraordinary 86 years of business this year. Generations have trusted Folco’s for life’s most meaningful moments—and their impact goes beyond jewelry. Their building proudly hosts one of the corridor’s iconic murals at the corner of Acushnet Avenue and Nash Road, adding color, culture, and identity to the North End of New Bedford.
Rooted in Community, Growing Through Generations – From 37 years to 86, Precision Window & Kitchen and Folco’s Jewelers represent the enduring spirit of Acushnet Avenue. Both businesses show that success isn’t just measured in years, but in how you show up for your neighborhood—whether it’s keeping the street clean or offering a canvas for public art in New Bedford.
Pictured: Historic image of Folco’s from a previous location on part of Acushnet Avenue which was demolished to make way for Route 18 at Coggeshall Street.
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It’s planting season at Riverside Park
Our Love The Ave partners, Groundwork Southcoast will be holding what has become an annual tradition for the group – the Spring Bed Adoption at Riverside Park, North End, New Bedford.
Here’s how it works: Come to adoption day on Saturday, April 11 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and choose a planting bed in the GWS community garden at the park. Then, you get to cultivate it for the growing season right through harvest time! It’s perfect for residents who have a green thumb but not the space to practice some urban farming.
The mission of Groundwork Southcoast (GWSC) is to bring about the sustained regeneration, improvement, and management of the physical environment by developing community-based partnerships that empower people, businesses, and organizations to promote environmental, economic, and social well-being. Find out more about them on their website.
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The CEDC’s Community Kitchen makes its debut in North End, New Bedford
In case you missed it: On Wednesday evening, March 11, the Community Economic Development Center (CEDC) officially introduced its licensed commercial kitchen facility to the public during a well-attended open house at 235 N. Front Street. The event welcomed aspiring chefs, bakers, caterers, and food entrepreneurs eager to learn how the space can help turn their culinary ideas into thriving businesses.
CEDC Executive Director Corinn Williams and Kitchen Coordinator Jess Morgado led the evening, giving visitors an inside look at the professionally equipped kitchen and explaining how local entrepreneurs can use the facility to launch, test, and grow food-based businesses.
The kitchen is located in the basement of the former Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, right next door to the CEDC offices. Upgrades to the facility were made possible by a grant from MassDevelopment’s TDI Local program.
If you’ve ever dreamed about starting a food business — or taking your current operation to the next level — the CEDC commercial kitchen may be the ingredient you’ve been waiting for.
Learn more about how you can cook up your next opportunity by contacting CEDC Kitchen Coordinator Jess Morgado at jess@cedcnewbedford.org.
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Help Shape the Future of Healthy Living in Southeastern Massachusetts
Regional planning is most effective when it reflects the real experiences of the people it serves—and that’s exactly what Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District is working to do.
SRPEDD is currently developing two important initiatives: an Age-Friendly Mobility Plan and the Food Access and Security in Transportation (FAST) Plan. Together, these efforts aim to better connect residents across Southeastern Massachusetts to healthy food, reliable transportation, and resources that support aging in place.
To guide this work, SRPEDD is asking community members to participate in its Healthy Living Survey. Feedback gathered will provide critical insight into local needs, challenges, and goals—helping to shape programs, services, and funding priorities for years to come.
If you live or work in the region, your voice matters. Take a few minutes to share your perspective and help inform a healthier, more connected future for all.
👉 Take the survey here: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/cea7e06eea314b559b18baeaa821e699
