What began as a grassroots effort to save a beloved historic landmark from demolition has grown into a significant investment in the future of Lowell.
The Lowell Center for the Arts (LCA) announced today it has officially purchased the historic Smith Baker Center, marking a major milestone in a community effort that began in 2024 to save one of Lowell’s most significant architectural and cultural landmarks.
A press release from the organization states “within these walls, remarkable voices including Frederick Douglass, Maya Angelou, Ray Manzarek, Patti Smith, and countless others have inspired generations. Today, that legacy enters its next chapter as the Lowell Center for the Arts officially takes ownership of the Smith Baker Center. With Phase 1 construction set to begin shortly, work will focus on restoring and reactivating this historic landmark as a vibrant home for arts, culture, education, and community life for generations to come.”
Phase One construction will focus on stabilizing and preserving the building through extensive masonry restoration, replacement of the original slate roof, repair of historic windows, and essential interior stabilization and preservation work. These improvements represent the critical first step toward reopening the building for public use.
Once complete, plans call for the Lowell Center for the Arts to transform the Smith Baker Center into a regional destination for culture, creativity, and community.
The restored building will include two performance spaces, classrooms, galleries, rehearsal rooms, community gathering areas, culinary programming, and accessible spaces that will serve residents, visitors, educators, artists, nonprofit organizations, and beyond.
The acquisition represents the collective work of countless individuals, organizations, public officials, and community members who believed the Smith Baker Center deserved a future. Many volunteers, organizations, city leaders, donors, and residents have worked together to move the project from an ambitious idea to reality.
In its press release, the Lowell Center for the Arts extended its sincere appreciation to the Board of Directors and Committee members for their leadership throughout this process: Christine McCarron, Bruce Macaulay, Bradford MacGowan, Dennis McCarthy, Cameron DaCosta, Carol Keirstead, Ginny Burnham, Marshunda Smith, Rhondyna Reth, Tyler Pongkham, and Connor Halko.
The organization also recognized the many supporters who helped make this achievement possible, including former board and committee members, community volunteers, donors, preservation advocates, neighborhood organizations, City Council members, municipal staff, the City Manager, and the Mayor. Their confidence in this vision has helped bring one of Lowell’s most significant preservation projects to life.
While the purchase of the building marks a tremendous achievement, it is only the beginning. Restoration will continue in phases over the coming years as the Lowell Center for the Arts works toward fully reopening the building as a permanent home for arts, education, history, and community engagement.
Community members interested in supporting the project through donations, sponsorships, volunteer opportunities, partnerships, or naming opportunities are encouraged to connect with the Lowell Center for the Arts, at info@lcalowell.org.
Additional information, project updates, and opportunities to become involved are available at: lcalowell.org
