BUILDING NEW ENGLAND FOR OVER 100 YEARS
Boston Plasterers and Cement Masons Local 534 represents over 400 skilled and licensed plasterers and cement masons across New England. We’re proud to set the standard for cuttingedge architectural design and durable construction. Thanks to our world-class training, benefits, and commitment to quality construction, we’ve been the trusted choice for plaster, cement masonry, and fireproofing for over 100 years.
Brothers and Sisters,
I hope you enjoyed your summer and had the opportunity to spend time with friends and family.
Our members are currently working on some exciting projects, like the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center in New Bedford. This restoration project requires our skilled plasterers to scrutinize every detail as they work to preserve historical elements of the site. Learn more about the history of “The Z” and our members’ work there on pages 4 and 5.
We are always excited to bring in new apprentices to learn our craft. Currently, we have 20 new and continuing registered apprentices at Local 534. Please be sure to give them a warm welcome when you see them around.
We have some important announcements to share including updates to the 2026 meeting schedule and the retirement
of our beloved Director of Apprentice Training. Flip through to read all the latest Local 534 news.
Thank you for continuing to invest your time and energy into our union and into your every day work. I am so proud to serve as your Business Manager. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Union Hall if you have any questions or concerns. Be safe and be well!
In Solidarity, John Sweeney Business Manager
A team of Local 534 plasterers are doing ornamental finish work at the historic Zeiterion Theater in New Bedford as part of an ongoing $37 million renovation of the century-old venue. The rehab project started in 2024 and is expected to be finished and reopened to the public in summer 2026. The venue has hosted a who's who of music and stage throughout the decades, including Jay Leno, Blue Oyster Cult, Peter Frampton, Johnny Cash, local disco heroes Tavares, Shinedown, Buddy Guy, Etta James, Greg Allman, Joan Baez, B.B. King and David Crosby, among others. Thanks to the talented crew helping preserve this incredible theater, which will continue to provide top quality entertainment for generations to come!
• APRIL 2, 1923:
The original theater opened in New Bedford owned by Barney Zeitz and his brothers, designed by Frank Leary and Frank Walker.
• SEPTEMBER 1923: It re-opened as The State, a silent movie house, and later showed “talkies” and the occasional live performance.
• 1971: The State was modernized. Marble walls were covered with wood paneling, chandeliers in the lobby were removed, contemporary rocking seats were installed, and black paint replaced the original color scheme of ivory and old rose.
• 1981: The building was at risk of being demolished. John Bullard, Sarah Delano, and other visionaries saved it from the wrecking ball.
• DECEMBER 31, 1981: The Penler Brothers of Paragon Travel donated the theater portion of the building to the Waterfront Historic Area League (WHALE) who provided $200,000 for the first phase of restoration. They went on to transfer the title to the City of New Bedford and a non-profit organization, Zeiterion Theatre, Inc., was created to maintain the building and bring the stage to life.
• SEPTEMBER 25, 1982: The Zeiterion held its reopening gala.
• 2014: $1.1 million restoration of its façade, including repointing the brick façade, repair of three banks of doors with beautiful mill work, and renovation of the original architectural white terra cotta trim.
• 2018: The idea formed to restore and renovate “The Z” to improve the patron experience. The vision is expected to transform the theater into a state-ofthe-art facility that welcomes all.
This September we welcomed a handful of new apprentices to Local 534 bringing our current total to 20. Thank you to our instructors for preparing these new plasterers and cement masons for long, successful careers in our field! Our training program strives to arm our apprentices with the skills and experience necessary to succeed right from the start. If you run into any of our apprentices at the Union Hall or out in the field, be sure to give them a warm welcome!
William Redmond, Director of Apprentice Training and a long-time member of Boston Local 534, is retiring this October. We are sad to see him go, but excited for him to embrace retirement and enjoy some of his favorite hobbies!
Billy began his apprenticeship in 1986 with Local 6, Bricklayers Allied Craftsman. He joined OPCMIA in 1990 and has been an active member ever since.
Thank you for your service to our union and congratulations!
In 2026, our regular monthly meetings will be moving to SATURDAYS at 8:00 AM due to popular demand! The full schedule will be posted on our website in December at BostonLocal534.org/Important-Resources. We hope to see you at all of our upcoming meetings—these are your opportunity to ask questions, get updates directly from leadership, and share any concerns you may have.
Following Billy Redmond’s retirement, Ermir Rama will be taking over the position of Director of Apprentice Training. Good luck, Ermir! Our apprentices are lucky to have you.
Boston Plasterers and Cement Masons Local 534
7 Frederika Street
Boston, MA 02124
♦ Saturday, October 25 at 8 AM **NEW DATE**
♦ Tuesday, November 25 at 6 PM
♦ No Regular Union Meeting in December
The full 2025 Meeting Schedule can be found on our website by scanning this QR code.
