Appleton Mills

Lowell, MA

Phase One of the Hamilton Canal District began with the $64 million historic restoration of the Appleton Mills complex into 130 units of affordable artist housing. For years, the deteriorated, vacant structure loomed ominously over the gateway to the city and set a negative tone for visitors to downtown Lowell and other venues, including the Lowell National Historic Park. Accordingly, its restoration was a high priority for the city, the local office of the National Park Service, and the Patrick Administration, which designated the Hamilton Canal redevelopment area as a priority Growth District Initiative (GDI).

While the building was significantly deteriorated, the masonry walls were sound, and much of the structure was salvageable. In areas where masonry had previously been demolished, new infill walls were designed with clearly contemporary cladding in contrast to historic materials. The restored building includes a five-story, 30-foot-wide atrium that draws sunlight into common areas and creates a dynamic architectural feature. The building's green components include a green roof, highly efficient mechanical system components, and Energy Star appliances.

The building was designed and marketed to appeal to artists and other creative professionals, consistent with the city’s efforts to attract and retain such individuals as part of its downtown development strategy. A preference for artists was established, subject to Fair Housing guidelines, and units were available to all households meeting income limitations and credit requirements. The loft-style units range in size from 500 to 1,400 square feet and include a mix of unit types and layouts, including studios, one-bedroom flats, one-bedroom townhouses, two-bedroom flats, and two-bedroom townhouses. A number of units with ground-floor access include artist sales space. While the units feature high ceilings and considerable light, the finishes are simple and durable.

The atrium is designed as a gallery/exhibit space and is conducive to community events such as open studios, film screenings, and readings. Common areas in the building include a fitness area, laundry/community lounge, roof deck, artist workshop space, and a landscaped mill yard. The elevators, doorways, and loading docks are specified to accommodate larger items. The city allocated parking for Appleton Mills residents in the city’s new Early Garage, which is across Jackson Street.

Today, Appleton Mills is home to a thriving creative arts community and represents the largest affordable artist housing development in the Commonwealth.

No. of Units
130

Total Development Costs
$64 Million

Type
Mixed-Income, Specialty Housing, Historic Preservation

Completed
2011

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Awards and Certifications

• Paul E. Tsongas Award for historic preservation in 2012
• Massachusetts Historical Commission Preservation Award, 2013
• J. Timothy Anderson Award for Excellence in Historic Rehabilitation by the National Housing and Rehabilitation Association
• National Park Service Historic Preservation Award
• BSA Design Award