Preserving History, Protecting Health in New Bedford, MA
In the heart of historic New Bedford, Massachusetts, the iconic New Bedford Whaling Museum is charting a bold course for the future. As part of a $32 million expansion to enhance visitor experience and create one of the largest up-to-date exhibition spaces south of Boston, the museum began preparations for demolition of the former Hiller Printing Building—and turned to Banner Environmental Services for expert asbestos abatement.
Banner was honored to support this transformative project by providing comprehensive asbestos abatement services—ensuring that the site was safely and responsibly prepared for demolition and redevelopment.
Why This Asbestos Abatement Project Matters
This project is more than just an environmental cleanup. It’s part of a generational transformation of one of New England’s most beloved cultural institutions.
With over 82,000 annual visitors, the New Bedford Whaling Museum is both a historic treasure and a powerful economic engine for the city—driving over $10 million in local economic impact each year. The museum’s expansion project, slated for completion in Fall 2026, includes a new glass-enclosed entrance, a 6,000 square-foot gallery for traveling exhibitions, and improved pedestrian access between buildings.
You can read more about the expansion via New Bedford Light’s detailed coverage.
Safe and Compliant Asbestos Abatement Services
Working under the guidance of an asbestos survey conducted by Sage Environmental, our team executed the following services with full compliance to MA DEP, local, state, and federal regulations:
- Removal and disposal of 2,650 square feet of 9×9 asbestos-containing tile and mastic
- Removal of 200 linear feet of friable thermal system insulation (TSI) on ductwork
- Removal of 100 linear feet of TSI air cell pipe insulation, including elbows and joints
- Abatement of 100 linear feet of non-friable caulking at overhangs above block windows
- Removal of 4,000 square feet of non-friable asphaltic roofing materials
All hazardous materials were properly packaged, labeled, manifested, transported, and disposed of in accordance with regulatory standards. As with every project, Banner Environmental prioritized worker safety, community protection, and environmental responsibility.
Site-Specific Considerations and Qualifications
Given the sensitive nature of the project site—a downtown urban setting with pedestrian traffic, adjacent buildings, and historic infrastructure—Banner worked with precision and care to:
- Coordinate access and staging near the building
- Avoid disruption to local businesses and foot traffic
- Maintain clean, safe working conditions for the duration of the project
Our approach was guided by strict procedural qualifications, including the use of non-union labor, weekday-only working hours, and responsibility for our own containers and disposal vendors.
Preparing the Museum for a New Era
By safely removing asbestos-containing materials from the future expansion site, Banner Environmental helped clear the path for construction of the museum’s new public entrance and exhibit space.
This future-forward structure will feature:
- A glass-enclosed “community living room” on the ground floor
- A 6,000 sq. ft. second-floor gallery wrapped in glazed terra cotta panels
- Improved crosswalks and pedestrian access across William Street
- The capacity to host larger traveling exhibitions and rarely seen items like the Grand Panorama of a Whaling Voyage ‘Round the World’
The museum’s president and CEO, Amanda McMullen, described the project as “timeless and beautiful”—and Banner Environmental was proud to play a key role in setting that foundation.
A Trusted Partner in Historical Redevelopment
When institutions take on major expansions—especially in historic buildings or urban neighborhoods—they need a trusted partner with the expertise to manage environmental risks. That’s where Banner Environmental Services excels.
Whether it’s an aging museum, a school, hospital, commercial office, or residential property, we help prepare, protect, and preserve—safely removing hazardous materials and enabling progress to move forward with confidence.
Planning an Expansion or Renovation?
If your organization is preparing for redevelopment involving asbestos, mold, or hazardous materials, trust Banner Environmental Services to handle it safely and professionally.
👉 Contact us online
📞 Call: (866) 934-2374
New Bedford Whaling Museum Asbestos Abatement Project Photos
