LOWELL, MA — Heritage Properties officially broke ground on The Emery, a new multifamily development set to bring 37 modern apartments to the heart of Lowell’s JAM district.
Local officials, project partners, and community members gathered at the corner of Middlesex and Pearl Streets to celebrate the beginning of what’s being hailed as a transformative project for one of Lowell’s most creative and fast-evolving neighborhoods.
Developed on a previously vacant lot at 218 Middlesex Street, The Emery is poised to be a signature addition to the Jackson/Appleton/Middlesex (JAM) urban renewal zone—a neighborhood rooted in Lowell’s industrial past and reimagined as a center for arts, culture, and urban living.
“We’re proud to officially launch The Emery and break ground on a project that reflects both the rich history and creative energy of our city,” said Jeff Bush, President of Heritage Properties. “This project will serve hundreds of people over the decades ahead, bringing new residents into the JAM district and turning a vacant lot into a vibrant part of the neighborhood.”
A Community Rooted in Heritage and Vision
Designed in collaboration with a team of local partners—including Gavin & Sullivan Architects, Inc., &Design Studio, Hancock Associates, and Pilot Construction—The Emery will offer a mix of 23 studios, 10 one-bedroom units, and four two-bedroom apartments spread across five floors.
Honoring Lowell’s legacy as the “Spindle City,” the community’s branding and interiors will pay tribute to its textile manufacturing past while embracing modern design sensibilities. Residents can expect contemporary finishes, stainless steel appliances, built-in storage, and a warm, sophisticated color palette. Additional amenities will include a bike room, storage units, and private patios and gardens for select ground-floor units.
Public-Private Partnership Driving Growth
City leaders were in attendance to mark the occasion, including Mayor Daniel P. Rourke, City Manager Thomas Golden, and Director of Economic Development Ali Carter.
“I’m thrilled to be here today to celebrate the groundbreaking of The Emery,” said Mayor Rourke. “This project does more than create housing—it strengthens our economy, creates jobs, and reinforces the vibrancy of our downtown. It’s a great example of how the city, state, and private partners can come together to invest in Lowell’s growth and future.”
In April, Heritage Properties received tax credits for The Emery through the state’s Housing Development Incentive Program (HDIP), which supports housing and economic development in designated gateway cities like Lowell.
The Emery is expected to begin pre-leasing in spring 2026, with its first residents moving in by fall of the same year. The development represents not only a physical transformation of a long-vacant lot, but also a symbolic investment in the future of Lowell’s urban core.
