Urban Renaissance Continues In America's First Planned Industrial City

"Much of Lowell's past efforts to redevelop downtown aimed to attract visitors; now the city wants to make them downtown homeowners, and so far it seems to be succeeding."

"The number of residential housing projects that are in some phase of development or completion -- 1,500 condominium and market-rate apartment units -- shows the change. Most selling prices for condos at various projects -- units are going into old mill buildings and above storefronts -- range from $128,000 to $490,000. A few have sold for more than $700,000.

There's more to come: Last month, Lowell began demolishing buildings in the so-called Hamilton Canal District, which city officials consider the most rundown and crime-ridden area near downtown. New development on the 15-acre site will include 1,000 residential units, 100,000 square feet of office space, and improved access to the riverfront."