Zeiterion Performing Arts Center
Project Description
Property History
Zeiterion Performing Arts Center was originally envisioned by Barney Zeitz and his brothers, and designed by Frank Leary and Frank Walker in 1923. The two-story tapestry brick building is an adaption of the Georgian Revival style and was considered a “palace for the people” with live vaudeville performances. Decades later, Zeiterion is undergoing an ambitious historic restoration and renovation project that will usher the 100-year-old theater into the next century. The renovation aims to transform the theatre into a stunning state-of-the-art facility and a community living room bustling with activity and welcoming to all.
Project Scope
Grand Light was contacted to perform the restoration on two different crystal chandeliers. The bulk of the work was to be done on the 10′ wide Czechoslovakian chandelier featuring a stunning crystal bowl composed of more than 20,000 individual crystals.
This project began by sending artisans on site to uninstall, dismantle, and transport the fixtures back to the Grand Light factory. Once in shop, the disassembled fixtures were walnut media blasted and soda blasted to non-destructively remove the original gold finish. The ornamental plaster and wood ring was repaired and received specialized stabilization treatment to prepare it for finish application. A custom gold with washed copper inlay finish was applied to accurately match the historical appearance, and museum grade protective top coat was applied to complete the finish portion of the work. The main chandelier required the fabrication of a new canopy, which was produced using a custom plaster mold was made to create an accurate replica of the original component. The fixture’s electrical system of nearly 200 sockets was completely rewired with UL products to meet modern safety standards. The thousands of crystals were cleaned and replaced when necessary to fully restore the focal point bowl. Once completed, Grand Light artisans delivered the fixtures to the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center and assisted with the final assembly and reinstallation of the chandeliers.
Services Performed
On-Site Disassembly, Assembly, & Testing
Our restoration artisans are trained to safely remove and disassemble fixtures and components, labeling and photographing fixture components in sequence of its removal and as a section. Work areas are left in the same condition it was found prior to leaving the site.
For documentation our technicians inspect and note any electrical deficiencies on every lighting fixture prior to any electrical component replacement and rewiring, to ensure the fixtures can be wired in accordance with UL listed products, UL standard 1598 and hi-pot tested, with UL label (LED retrofit kits utilize manufacturers listing).
On-Site Packing, Crating, & Transportation
Grand Light frequently transports lighting fixtures using our own box trucks, flatbeds, and custom-built trailers that are designed specifically for safe transport. Our team packs all components with custom-built crates catered to each fixture in our factory. Each crate is packed and properly labeled with all necessary information per fixture type, including loose components, damages/deficiencies, and proper component placement/alignment.
Material Fabrication
Grand Light has created custom lighting fixtures of every style and for every application. Our team of professional metal workers excel in Forming, Forging, Spinning, Stamping, and Hydroforming various materials such as Steel, Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Brass, Bronze, and Copper.
Grand Light’s production process in machining and manufacturing custom lighting fixtures and components in both large and small quantities; from minor components to the complete fabrication of full sized lanterns or other custom lighting fixtures, our artisans can accommodate any client specification or deadline.
With our automated lathes, stamping, and welding equipment aid in our ability to craft metal components to project specification with unparalleled design, quality, and durability. Our custom lighting team stands confidently behind their work with years of experience and dedication to quality craftsmanship.
Crystal Cleaning & Replacement
Grand Light’s Crystal, Glass, & Acrylic Studio specializes in the cleaning, repair, fitting, custom fabrication, replacement and replication of crystal, glass, and acrylic components of varying types, sizes, and color.
Our extensive cleaning solutions include hand cleaning, abrasive, micro-abrasive, and ultrasonic cleaning technology. Our artisans utilize a proprietary cleaning solution before each component is rinsed and hand polished. We have extensive experience pinning and stringing crystal components on historic and custom lighting fixtures. Utilizing time proven techniques, our artisans install pinning wire, clips, and connecting rings on crystal components in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and designs.
Our specialists will identify and research any missing crystal or glass component on a historic lighting fixture and offer up a similar or exact grade, size, tint, color, and shape to maintain a fixtures historical integrity.
Grand Light offers a wide variety of custom, high quality architectural glass and acrylic diffusers, available in an array of styles, types, and sizes. Our high quality architectural diffusers are available by custom order and offer unique, one-of-a-kind pieces or replications of an existing design.
Cleaning Systems
Grand Light specializes in commercial luminaire cleaning services, including the utilization of state-of-the-art Ultrasonic, Micro-Abrasive, and Hydrosonic Molecular Impact System (HSMI) Cleaning Technologies. Using our engineered cleaning systems, our artisans are able to eliminate decades of accumulated debris from any lighting fixture or surface.
Grand Light’s Industrial Ultrasonic Cleaning Tanks provide high-frequency sound waves transmitted through liquid to scrub clean the surface of immersed parts. The high-frequency sound waves, typically 40 kHz, agitate the liquid solution of water or solvent, and cause the cavitation of solution molecules.
Our Micro-Abrasive process utilizes fine abrasive media to generate an accurate, precise, and controllable abrasive jet to target and remove material (on the micron level). Our system is so precise it can remove ink from a business card without damaging the card’s surface.
HSMI is Grand Light’s unique, proprietary system includes powerful continuous super high steam production up to 369 degrees Fahrenheit with an integrated wet vacuum system insuring residual moisture and debris extraction. Purified dry vapor steam and integrated vacuum system guarantees spot free crystals and fixture frames.
Surface Preparation
Grand Light specialists perform testing on each fixture to determine the optimal surface profile for powder coat, paint, metal oil, or hot/cold patina application. Our processes utilize a wide range of equipment including Pyrolysis, Burn-Off, Thermal, and Blast Cabinets to remove an existing finish and smooth or roughen a surface.
Our industrial Pyrolysis, Burn-Off, Thermal Ovens and Heaters offer high-temperature, controlled burns for removal or vaporization of finish or foreign material from metal surfaces. Any remaining ash is removed through our blast cabinet services.
Our industrial Media Blast Cabinets are generally used to remove existing material (finish, contaminants, rust, etc.) or smooth/roughen a surface, all without causing damage to the original profile and aesthetic elements. Each cabinet houses a large work area and adjustable turn table to easily maneuver fixture frames and components.
Finish Application & Top Coatings
As a part of the restoration process, our artisans explore the intricate details of preserving the historical integrity of lighting fixtures including color matching and sheen of the original finish. Custom lighting finishes are available in custom painted colors, sheen, and textures as well as custom patina colors on bronze, copper, and brass components.
Our artisans can match any color or finish utilizing a variety of processes involving Powder Coat, Spray, Hot or Cold Patina Custom Recipes and Color Blending an existing finish.
Grand Light exercises meticulous techniques that are unparalleled in the application of Protective Top Coatings including binders, rust, and UV resistant protective metal oils, waxes, and lacquers with various customized sheens and tints.
NRTL Testing & Listing
Utilizing only UL listed products, Grand Light’s OSHA NRTL Certified Manufacturer’s Testing and Listing Laboratory strives to ensure only the highest quality of standards go into finalizing each lighting fixture; from the rewiring of luminaires, to the installation of modern lamp technology, and the custom conversion of gas powered fixtures to electric.
Grand Light’s technicians inspect and document any electrical deficiencies on every lighting fixture prior to any electrical component replacement and rewiring. We also offer comprehensive retrofit kits for upgrading existing historic luminaire to take full advantage of modern induction lamping technology. Grand Light’s practice is to perform multiple UL tests on all electrical components and systems to ensure compliance with UL Standards for luminaires.
Media
A look at the restoration process of the Zeiterion chandelier
Project Updates
Curtain Call On This Renovation – Historic Chandeliers Return to the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center
The Zeiterion Theater in New Bedford, MA, recently had their extraordinary crystal chandeliers restored by Grand Light.
Ushering The “Palace Of The People” Into A New Century
Built in 1923, New Bedford’s Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, the “palace for the people”, is the last of the areas 17 theaters which remains standing a century later. Designed by Frank Leary and Frank Walker, the two-story tapestry brick building is an adaption of the Georgian Revival style and includes marble-columned walls, a large oval…
Project Case Study
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Project Accolades
The Zeiterion Performing Arts Center received the Menino Legacy Award at the 2026 Preservation Awards hosted by Preservation Massachusetts
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