About the Lowell Center for the Arts

​The Lowell Center for the Arts (LCA)

Dedicated to preserving Lowell’s past, enhancing its present, and building its future. Through the restoration of the historic Smith Baker Center, we will create a vibrant space where arts, culture, and community come together to celebrate the city's rich history and diverse identity.

​

Preserving the Past

At the heart of our mission is the rehabilitation of the Smith Baker Center, originally built as the First Congregational Church in 1884-1885. Designed by renowned architects Otis A. Merrill and Arthur S. Cutler—the same team behind Lowell City Hall—the building is a stunning example of historic architecture, featuring a one-of-a-kind auditorium-style sanctuary with near-perfect acoustics. By restoring this landmark, we are protecting a vital piece of Lowell’s history while giving it a new life as a hub for creativity and innovation.

​

Enhancing the Present

Lowell has long been a center for industry, immigration, and artistic expression. The LCA will serve as a dynamic gathering place where artists, entrepreneurs, and community members can connect, collaborate, and create. By providing access to state-of-the-art performance venues, professional resources, and shared creative spaces, we aim to support local talent and strengthen the city’s cultural and economic landscape.

​

Building the Future

The LCA will be a multifaceted community hub, offering:

1. A Premier Performing Arts Center & Concert Hall – Home to the Lowell Philharmonic Orchestra and an array of theater productions, concerts, and community ensembles. Includes practice rooms, classrooms, and recording studios with afterschool music and arts programs.

2. Co-Working Spaces – A collaborative hub for entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses, providing professional resources in a dynamic, creative environment.

3. Shared-Use Commercial Kitchen – Supporting restaurateurs, caterers, and food truck operators with an accessible space to grow their businesses.

4. Café & Cabaret Space – A transformative venue that transitions from a daytime coffee shop to an evening lounge and performance space for local musicians and artists.

5. Gallery & Museum Spaces – Featuring rotating exhibits showcasing local artists and historical collections, preserving and promoting Lowell’s rich artistic heritage.

6. Artist-in-Residence Programs & Studios – Providing dedicated spaces for artists, writers, and performers to develop their work while engaging with the community.

7. Rooftop Green Spaces & Community Gardens – Featuring pollinator-friendly and vegetable gardens, offering educational and sustainability-focused programs.

​

The Lowell Center for the Arts is more than just a venue—it is a catalyst for creativity, economic growth, and cultural unity. By investing in this vision, we are shaping a future where everyone has access to the transformative power of the arts.