JAM update - April 2008
The new garage finally opened. As of now (July, 2008) there are still no tenants for the retail, but the garage is open!
They rebuilt the Swamp Locks gates that control the Lower Pawtucket Canal this year. This is the heart of the Hamilton Canal District. We walked over the canal...
Appleton Mills lot with Canal Place in the background. Over another canal...
Jackson Street, then a side street...
Then Middlesex Street. The Marston Building has some fresh paint and glass.
And we're at the Edward J. Early Jr. Garage! (Fanfare, please) Lowell continues its tradition of naming garages after civic workers I bet a lot of people don't know. For a short while, there were huge "MIDDLESEX STREET GARAGE (or maybe PARKING FACILITY)" letters on the side. Then, they took them down and put up an equally huge new sign. Then we say the garage went over budget. Note the proof in the foreground that Lowell's streets are all still cobbled under the pavement. To the roof...
Looking towards Tower's Corner. Juvenile Court stands out. I think that's Lynde Hill behind it.
Looking the other way on Central, to Kearney Square. Christian Hill beyond that?
Middlesex Street, which becomes Green after crossing over Central. Lynde Hill again in the background? You can see the completed B&M depot tower on the corner of Central and Green.
The back side of the block of Central between Jackson and Middlesex Streets. Funny how irregular these old buildings are when you're not looking at the carefully presented front fascades.
Towards Chelmsford. From Elliot's Hot Dogs in the foreground, past the old Keith Academy building... you can't quite make it out in this shot, but you can see all the way to CrossPoint from here. Quick Googling shows the Phantom Gourmet approves of Elliot's.
The Lowell Transitional Living Center has been causing a ruckus because it doesn't fit with the "new" neighborhood. As you can see from the photos at the top of this page and below this comment, this is a very upscale neighborhood around here and the shelter stands out like a sore thumb. Sarcasm's over now.
Corey Sciuto (e-mail)
2008