Since 1975, over 350 historic structures have been rehabilitated downtown, an effort that accelerated and continues today after the establishment of the Lowell National Historical Park in 1978 and the Lowell Historic Board in 1983.  Since the establishment of the Board, over 1,700 permits have been issued to owners within the Downtown Lowell Historic District and National Park. This indicates an extraordinary level of change – signs, paint colors, landscape, restoration, and new construction – in this limited geographic area.  It indicates that many small decisions have contributed to the image of the historic district and that preservation and urban economic development can work together for the betterment of a community.

Discover these preservation and design efforts through often dramatic before and after images.  Check back periodically for additions to this page as our collection grows.

For additional information, Lowell Then and Now: Restoring the Legacy of a Mill City by Lowell National Historical Park historical architect Charles Parrott is an invaluable reference guide and is available for purchase at the Park’s museum stores.

 Moller's Building - Middle Street

Birke Building - Market Street