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Project
The first of several neighborhood buildings being transformed into very unique live/work spaces for artists and other creative folks to call home. There are currently seven 900-1400 sq. ft. live/work lofts available. The ground level will be occupied by commercial space.
Open-design floor plans allow for flexible work environments and entertaining life styles.
The exterior of the building has been brought back to its beautiful historic detail while inside is totally modern with all new energy efficient, historically correct windows, high-efficiency gas heat and cooking. Central air conditioning, washer/dryer hookups and new, modern kitchens come standard. Each unit has high ceilings, lots of windows, and light from three sides. Garage parking is available in the city's new commercial center being built next door.
History of the Marston Building
- from Lowell Culture Resources Inventory
Built in 1889, it is an eclectic combination of Queen-Anne and Neo-Classical Revival elements.
The second and third floor fenestration features continuous windows divided by brick piers with decorative brickwork caps. The third floor level is set off from the second by large paneled wooden spandrels, except on the central bay, which has a granite panel with "Marston Building" on it. Lintels of decorative brickwork cap the windows.
For about sixty years, this site was occupied by a boarding house of the Appleton Company, as was much of the northerly side of Middlesex Street. In 1889, the Appleton Company sold part of this boarding house property, and this prime site was purchased by George H. Marston.
Marston was associated with George C. Prince in the bookselling and stationary trade on Merrimack Street from 1872 to 1889. During this period he acquired considerable real estate in Lowell and decided to retire from his partnership with Prince and devote himself to the care of his property. On his new Middlesex Street site "he has erected a fine-appearing structure known as the Marston Building. Among the notable buildings erected in this city for several years past, none exceeded this in excellence of construction and neatness of experience." Marston was listed at this building as real estate and stockbroker from 1890-1892. He died in December 1892. An incorporator of the Lowell Board of trade, he also served as one of its presidents.
Also listed in the Marston Building in 1890 was A.C. Stevens, apothecary, and Costilla D. Smith, photographer. The Morning Mail Souvenir states that "Miss C. Smith, who has just moved into her new and elegant quarters in the Marston Building on Middlesex Street, is one of the few successful ladies who have made photography a paying investment. Her new parlors are admirably adapted for her peculiar business, being light and in every way suitable."
In 1896, in addition to Miss Smith, the building was tenanted by Albert Cameron, confectioner; S.G. Lyford, medicines; Adelina Bonin, dressmaker; George E. Metcalf, insurance agent; and John T.P. Proulx, physician.
Sitting across the street, however, are the earlier nineteenth century Elliot Schoolhouse, Hamilton Schoolhouse (with it's Queen Anne facade), and Lincoln Building. This block provides a clear contrast to the Marston Building and illustrates a nineteenth century development of Lowell architecture.
Visit the Lowell Historical Society for more information on the rich history of Lowell.
Lowell Arts
(Vintage Lowell Trolleys)
Lowell offers a varied assortment of cultural activities without the high price tag and traffic associated with Lowell's big-city counterparts.
For local history, there are several must-see attractions. Visitors to Lowell's National Historical Park gain a fascinating insight into how people lived in a constantly evolving industrial city. The Boott Cotton Mill Museum recreates the conditions experienced by the city's original workers. The New England Folk life Center of Lowell focuses on culture as expressed in everyday life: customs, language, food, music, dance, drama and crafts.
If you favor the performing arts, you have numerous choices. In addition to year-round events and concerts at Tsongas Arena, the Boarding House Park hosts Summer Music Festival evening concerts, with entertainment highlighting diverse traditions & ethnicities; bring your lawn chair, pack a picnic supper, and enjoy contemporary folk, zydeco, bluegrass, pop, irish, and big band music. The Merrimack Repertory Theatre, an award-winning Equity theatre company, features a wide variety of dramatic productions. The 3,000-seat Lowell Memorial Auditorium showcases an eclectic blend of entertainment ranging from Broadway shows to Golden Gloves boxing. And at UMass Lowell's College of Fine Arts, you'll find concerts, children's performances and other events to suit your taste.
If the visual arts are what you seek, try the Brush Art Gallery, which presents changing exhibitions of outstanding contemporary art. Or the New England Quilt Museum, where scores of beautifully crafted quilts pay homage to this venerable craft. Or the American Textile History Museum, which honors the proud traditions of the industry on which the city was founded, and tells America's story through the art, history and science of our textiles. On every first Saturday of the month, you can visit the open studios at Western Avenue which houses over 160 working artists.
The Lowell Folk Festival, the city's premier cultural event, is held each July. It is the largest free folk festival in the country, and attracts thousands of people to a celebration of traditional music, dance and folk entertainment on six outdoor stages. Local ethnic foods, crafts, and cooking demonstrations add spice to the three-day extravaganza.
Regardless of your cultural preferences, one thing is certain: you'll run out of energy in Lowell before you run out of choices.
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