The Richard & Nancy Donahue Family
Academic Arts Center
In 2018, we renovated the Academic Arts Center (AAC), a multi-purpose facility in the heart of Lowell for nearly 150 years. The AAC houses our performing arts programs, including theater, dance and music. The centerpiece of the historic, totally renovated building is a proscenium theater showcasing theatrical programs and performances.
The AAC features:
190-seat Proscenium Theatre
103-seat Recital Hall
900-square-foot Dance Studio
Music practice room
Classrooms
All these spaces serve our students and faculty, as well as our community partners,
including:
The public school system
National Park Service
Other public and private organizations
History of the Building
Built in 1876, the building served as the Central Street Train Depot for the city of Lowell until 1895, when a new station was constructed nearby. The depot consisted of a two-story, brick head-house with a clock tower at the south end of the facade.
Originally, the building was home to offices and other depot uses.
Historic photographs indicate that various companies leased space there, such as:
- Express companies
- Printing offices
- A tailor shop
- The Western Union telegraph company
- A paint supply store
Over the years, this landmark housed a number of businesses, including a theater lobby from 1911 until the 1960s.
Other occupants of the building included:
- Music teachers
- Barbers
- Florists
- Real-estate agents
In the 1970s, the building served as Paul Tsongas’ congressional campaign office.
In 1989, it was saved from demolition by the Lowell Historic Preservation Commission. The exterior of the building was renovated by Lowell National Historical Park, which transferred ownership to MCC in 2008. Renovations began in 2015 and the AAC opened in 2018.
Directions and Parking
240 Central Street, Lowell MA
Directions: Google
Visitor parking is available at:
Early Garage
135 Middlesex St., Lowell, MA 01852
Directions: Google
See the Lowell Campus parking map for details.