New designs reveal the vision for transforming Lowell’s historic St. Jean Baptiste Church into the Jack Kerouac Center, while a new picture mosaic fundraiser gives supporters the opportunity to become part of the Center itself
The vision for the future Jack Kerouac Center is coming into focus.
Today, the Jack Kerouac Center unveiled new architectural renderings by Boston-based Flansburgh Architects, offering a first detailed look at the transformation of Lowell’s historic former St. Jean Baptiste Church into a world-class museum, performance venue and cultural center honoring the life, work and enduring influence of Jack Kerouac.
The plans preserve the historic character of the church while creating a dynamic new cultural destination designed to bring Kerouac’s creative spirit into the future. The proposed Center will include museum and exhibition spaces, a major performance hall, an intimate performance space, recording and media facilities, educational and gathering spaces, and a dedicated home for significant Kerouac materials.
The design also introduces a new architectural addition inspired by Kerouac’s spontaneous prose, creating a flowing visitor experience that connects the building, Jack and the city that shaped him.
“The architectural scheme features a rounded, stone-clad addition that greets visitors with a glimpse of the creativity held within. Inspired by Kerouac’s ‘stream of consciousness’ process, Flansburgh Architects designed the new façade to unfold without a clear beginning or end, inviting patrons into a journey of discovery,” said David Croteau of Flansburgh Architects.
“Inside, a layered section with multi-directional windows deliberately frames local landmarks connected to the author's life,” he continued. “This new wing also houses a dedicated room to display the legendary scrolls, listening spaces, two open galleries for local artists and rotating artifacts, a bookstore, venue ticketing, and a roof terrace overlooking the city. Meanwhile, the existing building will be transformed into a 1,500-seat performance hall complete with a recording studio, convening space, and permanent exhibit areas, blending historic preservation with contemporary culture.”
The former St. Jean Baptiste Church has a deeply personal connection to Kerouac. He grew up in Lowell’s Franco-American community, served as an altar boy at the church, and his funeral Mass was held there in 1969. The building will now begin a new chapter as a place dedicated not only to preserving his legacy, but to continuing the creative exchange that his work has inspired around the world.
“This is about creating something worthy of Jack and the extraordinary influence he continues to have on writers, musicians, artists and readers around the world,” said Jim Sampas, Literary Executor of the Jack Kerouac Estate and CEO of the Jack Kerouac Foundation. “These renderings bring that vision to life - a place that honors where Jack came from while creating new opportunities for music, art, ideas and creative expression.”
Alongside the unveiling of the architectural renderings, the Jack Kerouac Center is launching a new fundraising campaign that will allow you to literally become part of the future museum.
The Jack Kerouac Center Picture Mosaic will be created from thousands of individual photographs submitted by supporters that, together, will form a larger portrait of Jack Kerouac. Once completed, the mosaic will become a permanent installation inside the Jack Kerouac Center, making everyone who participates a lasting part of the Center and its history.
The photograph at the heart of the mosaic is being made available through the generosity of the Tom Palumbo Estate, whose support and collaboration helped make this project possible. “I’m incredibly grateful to the Tom Palumbo Estate for working with us to make this extraordinary photograph part of the Center,” said Sampas. “Every photo submitted will become part of Tom’s image of Jack, creating something that represents not only their legacies, but everyone who helped make the Center possible. It’s a beautiful way to honor two artists whose work continues to resonate.”
Supporters can participate in several ways:
- $50: Add one photo and personalized text to the mosaic
- $75: Add two photos and personalized text to the mosaic
- $75 Photo + T-Shirt Combo: Add one photo and personalized text to the mosaic and choose a Jack Kerouac + Zach Bryan T-shirt from the collection.
Photos can be of yourself, family, friends, loved ones, or someone you would like to honor or remember, giving supporters the opportunity to make their contribution personal.
“This is one of the most consequential cultural projects Lowell has seen in years, with the potential to reshape the city and how it is seen far beyond Lowell,” said Sylvia Cunha, Director of Marketing & Business Development for the Jack Kerouac Estate and VP of Partnerships & Fan Engagement at Sound Rink. “These renderings show what the Center can become. Now we’re asking you to believe in it and help us build it from the ground up. There’s something really special about bringing Jack, Tom’s incredible photograph, and thousands of people who believe in this project together in one piece. You can become a permanent part of it through the mosaic, and for those looking to get involved on a larger level, we also have opportunities for investors and partners, including naming rights, prominent signage and other opportunities at the Center. If you want to help us build this, please reach out. Let’s talk.”
A NEW CHAPTER FOR A HISTORIC LOWELL LANDMARK
The Jack Kerouac Center project gained significant momentum when multi-GRAMMY® Award-winning singer-songwriter Zach Bryan purchased the former St. Jean Baptiste Church in 2025, helping protect the historic property and make its transformation possible. In 2026, the Center issued RFPs for construction partners and has now narrowed the process to a group of finalists as the project moves closer to the next phase.
Plans for the Center include museum and exhibition spaces, a 1,500-capacity performance venue, an intimate 125-capacity lower-level performance space, recording and media facilities, educational spaces, archival research, a bar and restaurant, and spaces for community gatherings and creative programming.
To view the new architectural renderings: CLICK HERE
To add your photo to Jack Kerouac Center Picture Mosaic: CLICK HERE
For all press, investor, partner inquiries: admin@jackkerouac.com