Closed for 15 years, Fairhaven's old Bijou Theatre building is active again. Step inside.
FAIRHAVEN — Once a staple in the community, the Bijou Theatre was closed for over 15 years, slowly falling apart, fading out of existence, and falling into disrepair. Now, Julio Barboza, who saw potential in this historic building, has brought it back to life.
"When I first saw the Bijou Theatre, I knew it had so much potential. It was a shame that it had been closed for so long," Barboza said. "My goal was to not only bring the theater back to life, but also to create much-needed housing and business opportunities for the community."
Barboza, a New Bedford native and Massachusetts state trooper, has always had a passion for renovating and revitalizing old buildings. After purchasing the Bijou Theatre in 2019, he went to work converting the entire building into housing and shops.
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At first, Barboza said, he faced numerous challenges and roadblocks during the renovation process. However, with the support of the community, he was able to overcome them and make his vision a reality.
"The local guys are the ones who know the area and what's best for the community. They have a vested interest in seeing their investments succeed," he said, adding that he worked hard with local investors and officials, rather than against them.
"I may not be a big company with endless resources, but I am a working guy just like everyone else, and my goal is to improve the community where I grew up."
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What to expect when visiting the former Bijou Theatre
The Bijou Theatre building, which includes 15 one-bedroom apartments and three retail spaces, is now fully renovated and occupied. The apartments provide housing for elderly veterans and others who were previously homeless.
The retail spaces now house a flower shop and a sneaker shop, and will soon host a café.
The former theater space has been transformed into the gym and recreational spot B. Balanced Fitness, owned by Braley Freire. The space has a full basketball court and hosts activities such as soccer games and dance classes.
"It's amazing to see the building, which was once closed and run down, now thriving and providing opportunities for the community," Barboza said.
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Barboza also credits the support of officials including Vice Chair Patrick Carr and Chairwoman Cathy Melanson, who served on the Fairhaven planning board.
"These individuals had a vision for the town and were instrumental in making this project a success," he said. "It's important to have officials who are willing to work with investors and have an open mind about what's best for the community."
Working with the locals changed Bijou Theatre's legacy
Barboza said, at the end of the day, his heart isn't only in investing and construction, but the mission of helping people.
"I want to provide affordable housing for those who are less fortunate and create a safe and welcoming community for all," he said, adding that he hopes the message to other towns and cities is to support your local investors and work together for the betterment of the community.
"It's a win-win for everyone ... the town, the investors and most importantly, the people who will benefit from these projects."
Standard-Times staff writer Seth Chitwood can be reached at schitwood@s-t.com. Follow him on twitter:@ChitwoodReports. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.
This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Fairhaven's former Bijou Theatre restored to mixed-use housing, retail