From left: Cruz Companies President & CEO John B Cruz, III, World War II Veteran Manuel “Figi” Figueiredo, Cruz Development Sr. VP Dan Cruz and Cruz Management Director Justin Cruz.

NEW BEDFORD – Tuesday July 11, 2017 – Cruz Companies today was joined by Congressman William Keating, local officials and residents for the ribbon-cutting of the newly-renovated Verdean Gardens housing development in New Bedford, a long staple of the Cape Verdean community.

“We are pleased to bring Verdean Gardens back to life through this significant renovation,” said Cruz Companies President & CEO John B. Cruz, III. “This site has a long history with the Cape Verdean community and we are proud of the jobs, economic development and housing we have been able to support.”

Verdean Gardens was first built in 1987, quickly becoming a home for residents of Cape Verdean descent. In 2016, Cruz Companies launched the $7 million renovation of the 110-unit complex in partnership with Rockland Trust, MassDevelopment, the Department of Housing and Community Development and the City of New Bedford. The new renovations will allow the housing to last for another 25 years.

“With this Cruz development, the majority of the businesses and workers came from right here in New Bedford,” said Congressman Keating. “It’s a terrific place for people to live and have a community together in Verdean Gardens.”

At the event, Congressman Keating and Mr. Cruz presented tokens of appreciation to resident Manuel “Figi” Figueiredo, 96, a World War II Army veteran, who served from 1942-1945, including a tour of duty in Europe with the 38th Battalion out of Camp Edwards. Mr. Figueiredo is a long-time, beloved resident of Verdean Gardens and the renovations will allow him to stay in the home he loves close to his family in New Bedford.

The renovations include new paint, flooring, windows, roofs, kitchens, bathrooms, heating systems and other site upgrades. Cruz Companies ensured at least 50 percent of spending on the project occurred with local businesses and 60 percent of workers hired were people of color.

State Reps. Antonio Cabral and Christopher Markey; New Bedford City Councilor Dana Rebeiro; and New Bedford Director of Planning, Housing and Community Development Patrick Sullivan were also in attendance.

The project was made possible with $7.2 million in MassDevelopment Bonds and $350,000 in federal HOME funds administered by the City of New Bedford.

About Cruz Companies: Cruz Companies is the oldest and largest minority-owned construction and real estate development firm in the region, responsible for landmark projects and developments. Cruz Companies’ mission is giving back to the community through increasing affordable housing opportunities, providing good jobs to area residents, and hiring other minority businesses.

For more information, visit www.CruzCompanies.com.