Hive: A Public Market in Lowell Massachusetts

FINALLY, we feel confident enough to "let the kitten out of the sack" regarding some changes. Our quest to find a new home for our Hive Public Market, in the wake of the sudden closure of Mill No 5, has taken several twists and turns. Today we have officially come to an agreement with the Hildreth Building, 45 Merrimack St, right in downtown Lowell. Nearly 14,000 sq feet will become the first section of the HPM. The work on this building has been happening for several years, and the transformation is incredible. The location is perfect. We are scheduled to open in September 2025. We are still alive. We are still passionate. We have found more allies in the creation of our vibrant and vibing community, mercantile, and art spaces. We need your support to bring Lowell a new magic place in a gorgeous historic backdrop.

What we are doing right at this moment (March 20): We are packing up the last of the goods of shops and events, fixtures, structures and commercial equipment, and dragging it down the long long long hallways of the now-closed Mill No 5 and loading it into pick up trucks, box trucks, and vans. Special thank you to Boott Mills Storage on French Street for their flexibility, support and cheerleading. Thanks as always to Abbott Electrical for working with us for weeks and weeks of support on the transition. Thankfully, the City of Lowell Economic Department and Mass Development have offered endless guidance and advice. Coalition for a Better Acre has stepped up quick with temporary space. Lowell City Councilors have been in our corner from the beginning.

Update Janary 10:

We have completed preliminary walk throughs with inspectors and historic folks, allowing for very specific concerns and solutions to be discussed and planned for. This will help us build more specific timelines. We have selected a General Contractor to manage and coordinate. We are drafting entity structure plans through an attorney who specializes in entity creation and commercial property, along with our big group of small shop owners, and one fresh new start up! We are forming a vision for a Board of Directors. This week our GC will be bringing in contractors for estimates and compare options for heating and cooling. We intend to go green and efficient wherever possible!

Stay tuned!

*No raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or returns on investment are offered in exchange for any donations.