Lowell Museum Refresh Complete: New Porch, Paint and Signs

It is arguably the most recognizable building in town.

Built by Robert Graham in 1873, the imposing brick building at the northeast corner of Main and Hudson was originally intended as a duplex. In the years since, it has housed various tenants, including the YMCA and library. Today, it is home to the Lowell Area Historical Museum.

“The museum building is the doorway to Lowell’s historic downtown,” notes Lisa Plank, executive director of the Lowell Area Historical Museum.

That doorway is looking a little more polished now, thanks to a series of improvements that have taken place over the past year.

“The building was in need of repairs to ensure its historical and physical stability,” Plank says.

The most pressing need was to replace the porch which was falling off the building. That porch was the Graham Building’s second porch. The original wooden porch was replaced in the early 20th Century.

Rebuilding the porch took longer than expected, though. Work began in early 2023 and stalled for a period while some issues related to its construction were ironed out. However, RAM Construction was able to wrap up the project earlier this fall, and the new porch and railings are inspired by the architectural elements of the Graham Building.

Meanwhile, Vanderkolk Painting repainted the exterior trim to freshen up the color and cover exposed wood, particularly on the east side of the building. Brickwork repairs were done by A & J Painting Renovators, and exterior security cameras were added thanks to a grant from the Lowell Cable TV Fund. The city, which owns the building, is also working on replacing the gutters.

The museum’s new signs are the handiwork of Lowell designer Denise Stain. They’ve been positioned on both Main Street and Hudson Street so the building can be easily identified from all directions.

“The talented craftspeople who engaged in this work did a fantastic job,” according to Plank.

For those who would like to pay a visit to the museum, it is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 1-4pm. You can visit the museum website or follow their Facebook page for the latest information about exhibits and events.