LOWELL, MA — In a powerful intersection of art, legacy, and community, GRAMMY-winning, multi-platinum artist Zach Bryan has officially purchased the historic former Saint Jean Baptiste Church in Lowell, Massachusetts, setting the long-delayed transformation of the site into the Jack Kerouac Center into motion.
Originally announced in November 2022, the Jack Kerouac Center project had stalled due to funding issues and the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Bryan’s entry marks a dramatic turning point, bringing vital funding, momentum, and national attention to the initiative, which aims to honor one of America’s most iconic literary voices.
The historic church, built in 1890, is a deeply symbolic location. It once served as a cornerstone for Lowell’s French-Canadian community and held special significance in Kerouac’s life—he served as an altar boy there and his funeral mass was held within its walls in 1969.
Now, under Bryan’s vision, the 20,439-square-foot building will be repurposed into a sanctuary for creativity. The Jack Kerouac Center is set to become a vibrant cultural hub featuring exhibits, live music, public readings, and community events—a place where “two creative forces meet,” as project organizers describe it.
“We’ve been working on this deal with Zach and his team for several months,” said Sylvia Cunha, who heads Marketing and Business Development for the Jack Kerouac Estate. “Zach reached out in October, and right from the start, it was clear he shared our passion for honoring Jack’s legacy while also creating a dynamic, creative space. He stepped up and delivered in a big way, showing incredible generosity.”
The initial focus, Cunha noted, will be on bringing the building up to code, with plans to begin hosting events as early as possible. The project will also seek new partnerships to expand programming and ensure the center’s lasting impact.
Bryan’s involvement goes beyond funding. His commitment aligns with the spirit of Kerouac himself—a restless artist who defied convention and gave voice to a generation. “The Jack Kerouac Center will stand as a lasting symbol of inspiration, forever linking Jack and Zach,” said Jim Sampas, Literary Executor of the Kerouac Estate. “Bryan’s investment is a significant addition to the cultural fabric of Lowell and beyond.”
The initiative has long been championed locally. Dave Ouellette, founder of the Acre Action Neighborhood and a key figure in preserving the church, was instrumental in bringing the project to the attention of the Kerouac Estate. Alongside Brian McGowan of TMI Properties, Ouellette helped safeguard the building after its acquisition from the Archdiocese of Boston in 2006.
“This is a game-changer for our community,” Ouellette said. “Lowell has long been a place where innovation thrives, and the Jack Kerouac Center will provide a vital platform to inspire us at a pivotal moment in history, while also serving future generations.”
Bryan purchased the church property from McGowan and TMI Property Management and Development, completing a historic transaction that is as much about the future as it is about honoring the past.
As plans move forward, the Jack Kerouac Center is poised to become a national destination—a dynamic space where creative exploration, artistic exchange, and cultural preservation converge in the heart of Kerouac’s hometown.
