This can be a museum, a Jack Kerouac center, with artifacts and a story but also a place throbbing with current culture, offering a multi-faceted educational component. We think of what it can be as a gathering place, welcoming to all for both pilgrims from afar and students just blocks away.
The main (sanctuary) part of the church will become a mid-size performance space where artists can come to Lowell to pay homage, to showcase their work through the lens of stained glass and Kerouac’s spirit.
The downstairs will house the museum, with artifacts and visiting collections and there will also be a restaurant and pool hall as these were part of Jack’s life as well.
We imagine other parts of the church as laboratories to foster young writers, to educate students, and we envision working with area schools, colleges, and universities to make this a truly immersive experience.
On the grounds of the building there are currently residential units that we anticipate turning into a boutique hotel.
Perhaps there can eventually be a Jack Kerouac Scholarship for promising writers.
RENDERINGS & PLANS BY: SCB ARCHITECTS