There’s a lot to like about Lowell and who better to hear from than the people who know it best.
Born and raised in Lowell, Anthony is a regular on the City’s arts scene, sharing his poetry at a number of local venues. Rather than relocate to Boston to continue his artistic pursuits, he decided to stay in town and put his efforts towards improving the community. Referred to around town as “Febo,” he also volunteers at UTEC (United Teen Equality Center) fostering local talent and inspiring Lowell’s youth. Proud to play an active role in the City’s transformation, you’ll find him performing solo or with the spoken word trio L.I.F.E.
Anthony Febo, Poet, Resident
Born and raised in Lowell, John founded Watermark in 2001. With a diverse community and willingness to help businesses, he has always felt a special connection to the City. Originally located in the Boott Mills, the company has relocated to the Wannalancit Mills, which has provided flexible space and expansion potential as his company continues to grow. Off the clock, he and his employees enjoy taking advantage of the wealth of amenities only a short walk from the office.
John Haley, President, Watermark
Market Street Market opened its doors in April 2009, making it the first full-service market in Downtown Lowell. The store offers fresh produce, meats and other specialty items ranging from certified Angus Beef steaks to fresh squeezed orange juice. Janette and her husband Rob decided to open the store after reading the results of surveys done with Downtown residents. Seeing an opportunity to fill an important niche in the community, they were drawn to Lowell’s diversity and pro-business environment.
Janette Nason, Owner, Market Street Market
Shanti grew up in Haverhill, but decided to attend college at UMASS Lowell earning her BFA in photography. From the beginning, she was taken in by the City’s welcoming people and energetic arts scene. After graduating, she decided to make Lowell her home. A self-described “people person”, she divides her time between pursuing her photography career and exploring the City with her daughter.
Shanti Jain, Photographer, Resident
Originally from Connecticut, Brett came to the City to attend UMASS Lowell four years ago. Drawn by the University’s strong music program, he was unaware of the thriving cultural scene. He quickly began to explore Downtown, discovering the depth of Lowell’s arts community from Western Avenue Studios to the City’s annual Folk Festival. Drawn by the strong sense of community, he and a group of fellow students started Audio Park Productions, an independent production company focused on enriching the artistic community of Lowell.
Brett Fermeglia, Student, Audio Park Productions
Looking to set-up a new location in Massachusetts, Ken and other members of Nobis’ executive team surveyed a number of cities in the Merrimack Valley. With an existing location in Concord, New Hampshire, Lowell provided an ideal location, plenty of parking and an abundance of other amenities. Right off the bat, they felt welcomed by City officials and the business community. With a corporate focus on environmental restoration and sustainable development, they selected a former lumber mill as their new home, rehabbing the building to be the first LEED Historic Brownfields Mill Building in Lowell.
Ken Koornneef, Principal, Nobis Engineering
A dream two years in the making, Ronnie Brogan and EJ Garcia opened Garcia Brogan’s in the summer of 2009. For years, EJ had worked for Ronnie at his other restaurant, O’Neill’s in Salem, MA. A few years ago, he approached Ronnie about partnering on a new project – a restaurant serving both Mexican and Irish cuisine. From there, Garcia Brogan’s was born. When looking for a home for their new venture, they visited a number of locations. Lowell quickly rose to top of the list. They finally settled on a space inside the new Early Garage, adjacent to the Hamilton Canal redevelopment district. The restaurant offers two spacious dining rooms, designed to reflect the distinct feel of each nationality. Diners can choose between a cozy Irish pub, or a spacious Mexican cantina – with both menus available regardless of seating.
Ronnie Brogan, Owner, Garcia Brogan's
Jennifer and co-owner Stacie Corbin purchased Inizio Spa in 2007. Located in the heart of Downtown, the full-service salon and spa caters to a growing population of residents and business people. Taking over from a previous owner, both have enjoyed the transition from employees to small business owners. Drawn by the City’s business resources and support network, they are equally impressed with the vibrant cultural community that makes Lowell unique.
Jennifer Benoit, Owner, Inizio Spa
Originally from Medford, Patrick was drawn to UMass Lowell to pursue a career in exercise physiology. Three years later, he is finishing up his senior year, working toward a degree in political science. At first, UMass Lowell’s value caught his attention. However, his experience has been defined by more than the cost of tuition. The University provided the flexibility he needed when changing majors and plenty to keep him entertained outside of class. He and his friends make frequent trips Downtown, enjoying the City’s array of restaurants and events. He has also become active within the student community through his involvement in the University’s Residential Life department. Next year, he’s looking toward possibly continuing his education at the University, pursuing a Master’s degree in education.
Patrick Williams, Student
In early 2009, Kadient relocated their corporate headquarters from Nashua, New Hampshire to Lowell, Massachusetts. For this software development company specializing in sales enablement applications, local amenities and proximity to Boston and the Route 128 corridor were key factors in the decision-making process. Combined with the benefits of an urban setting and a variety of flexible space options, Lowell came out on top.
Brian Zanghi, President and Chief Executive Officer, Kadient
A Lowell resident for over 19 years, Thaddeus has watched the City’s artistic community take shape. Although his day job in public safety often takes him into Boston, he has enjoyed becoming a part of Lowell’s growing cultural scene. His experiences at Western Avenue Studios and UTEC (United Teen Equality Center) have allowed him to showcase his own work while contributing to Lowell’s artistic community. While his work has allowed him to travel the region capturing his surroundings on film, Lowell’s diversity, ongoing events and festivals keep him from straying too far from home. He now resides in the residences at Boott Mills, within walking distance of all his favorite Downtown eateries and attractions.
Thaddeus Miles, Resident, Photographer
When looking for a University to pursue a career in criminal justice, Nicole was accepted to a number of programs, but finally decided on UMass Lowell. While working toward becoming a police detective, Nicole has discovered that Lowell’s advantages extend beyond academics. Compelled to get involved in the community both on and off campus, she is Vice President of ASAO (Association of Students of African Origin), and also volunteers at UTEC (United Teen Equality Center), helping Lowell’s at-risk youth. Lowell has given her the opportunity to be part of the City’s rich cultural community, while simultaneously working toward her career goals.
Nicole Bazile, Student
Back in 2004, inspired by an empty squirt bottle, Vin Ferrara came up with an idea for a new helmet design that would reduce concussions and other head traumas. A former Harvard quarterback, with both an MD and an MBA from Columbia University, he merged his personal experience and professional skills set to found Xenith. Having suffered a concussion earlier in his sports career, Vin developed the Xenith X1 Football Helmet to include 18 shock absorbers and custom fitting. Looking to expand and intrigued by partnership opportunities, Lowell seemed like the right fit. In 2008, he relocated the company from Boston to Lowell’s Wannalancit Mills complex.
Vincent Ferrara, Founder and CEO, Xenith LLC
A dream two years in the making, EJ Garcia and Ronnie Brogan opened Garcia Brogan’s in the summer of 2009. For years, EJ had worked for Ronnie at his other restaurant, O’Neill’s in Salem, MA. A few years ago, he approached Ronnie about partnering on a new project – a restaurant serving both Mexican and Irish cuisine. From there, Garcia Brogan’s was born. When looking for a home for their new venture, they visited a number of locations. Lowell quickly rose to top of the list. They finally settled on a space inside the new Early Garage, adjacent to the Hamilton Canal redevelopment district. The restaurant offers two spacious dining rooms, designed to reflect the distinct feel of each nationality. Diners can choose between a cozy Irish pub, or a spacious Mexican cantina – with both menus available regardless of seating.
EJ Garcia, Owner, Garcia Brogan's
After spending 30 years on Beacon Hill, Dayne and her husband made the move to Lowell in 2007. Drawn by the City’s revitalization, the couple selected an open loft space in the heart of Downtown that could accommodate their home business and provide a blank canvas to showcase their style. The City’s walkability, ethnic diversity and opportunities for civic engagement have provided everything they were looking for in a live/work environment.
Dayne Lamb, Resident
Lowell has been the headquarters for TRC's 2,400 nationwide staff since 1990. When they moved into the newly renovated Boott Mills, they were the first major corporation to make their home in Downtown Lowell. During nearly 20 years in Lowell, Dale has been impressed with how the City attracts and supports businesses and how they have developed a clear vision of the City's future growth. The company is now located in Wannalancit Mills which still provides proximity to Downtown but gives the firm the additional space they needed to support long-term growth.
Dale Weiss, Principal, TRC
Andy opened Brew’d Awakening Coffeehaus in 2005. He was looking to create a unique social scene for residents and visitors. After investigating other neighboring towns, he decided Lowell’s Downtown scene was unique to the region. With fresh baked goods, smoothies and every coffee creation imaginable, Brew’d has become a Downtown institution hosting live music and poetry open-mike nights showcasing local talent.
Andy Jacobson
Owner, Brew’d Awakenings
Stacie and co-owner Jennifer Benoit purchased Inizio Spa in 2007. Located in the heart of Downtown, the full-service salon and spa caters to a growing population of residents and business people. Taking over from a previous owner, both have enjoyed the transition from employees to small business owners. Drawn by the City’s business resources and support network, they are equally impressed with the vibrant cultural community that makes Lowell unique.
Stacie Corbin, Owner, Inizio Spa
Linda and her husband moved to Lowell in 2005. They relocated from Newburyport, looking to retire to an environment that would offer big city amenities while retaining a “neighborhood” feel. They quickly fell in love with Lowell’s Downtown, enjoying the variety of dining and entertainment options while meeting other residents. They have embraced their new metropolitan lifestyle, having everything they need within walking distance.
Linda Berberian, Resident
Eleni moved to Lowell from Greece in 1968. Over the past 40 years, she has witnessed the City’s transformation first-hand. While much has changed since she first moved to Lowell, she has always loved the Downtown environment. A graduate of the Athens School of Fashion and Design in Greece, she opened Eleni's Fashions and Tailoring in 1979 at 169 Worthen Street. Eleni moved her shop to Dracut, Chelmsford and finally back to Lowell into the newly constructed Ayer lofts, where she stayed for 9 years. In September 2008, she expanded to a new store-front at 41 Bridge Street, performing alternations and continuing to showcase her own custom designs.
Eleni Zohdi, Owner, Eleni’s Fashions and Tailoring