Evolution of a Mill City

Lowell Massachusetts was once renowned as a thriving industrialized city and a textile manufacturing center. However, now that we no longer require the original use of the cotton mills, many of the buildings have been turned into museums and exhibits protected by the Lowell National Historic Park. Not all of the buildings were preserved as monuments to history, though. Some, like the Boott Cotton Mills were transformed into housing communities offering condo and apartment living.

More than 75% of the mill buildings have been restored and converted and now encourages about 700,000 tourists to visit every year. They’re common places for field trips year round as busses bring children to learn about the industrial revolution.

Field Trips

You can take a tour by foot, trolley or boat on the Merrimack.

Last year the National Park service finished restoring the canal system that runs through Lowell so that boat tours through the canals are now open to the public.

Canal

During the 19^th century, Lowell thrived as a the country’s biggest textile manufacturing city, using the waterpower of the Merrimack River to put the mills into operation. Two hundred years later the mills remain standing but their function has entirely transformed. Protected by the Lowell National Historical Park, the buildings, gatehouses and canals have all been restored. While some buildings have been altered into museums, much of the rest have been converted into residential housing.

Located on John St., adjacent to the Merrimack River lies what was once the Boott Cotton Mills. While a few of its buildings remain as exhibits in honor of the historic mill as well as contain office space, most of them are now condominiums and apartments.

The apartments boast high ceilings with exposed brick and beams and extremely spacious floorplans. With its amenities and heat and hot water included in the rent, it makes for a comfortable place to live. It's located right in downtown Lowell within walking distance to almost anything you might need.

Bedroom

Living Room

“It was totally renovated in 2005 and it’s even more beautiful than ever,” said Jackie Gill, assistant manager of the Apartments at Boott Mills.

"The park service did a great job of modernizing the buildings while protecting the heritage they stand for," agreed leasing consultant, Christine Simsek.

While the National Park Service has accomplished a great deal in the past 30 years, they still look to future of Lowell.

“We plan to continue expanding the restoration and development of the old buildings and canals and improve and add more programs to bring people to Lowell,” said volunteer park ranger Mike Schaeffer. “There’s a lot of history here.”