Transforming Historic Lawrence for Opportunity and Healthy Living
Since its industrial beginnings, Lawrence has often been the engine that fuels the regional economy but rarely reaps the benefits. Immigrant labor in the mills sent profits far away from the weary homes of the people who lived here, and our community, local systems, and urban landscape continue to bear the scars of this unjust past.
Today, Lawrence residents battle the highest unemployment rate and third highest poverty rate in Massachusetts—despite an entrepreneurial and hard-working spirit. We need opportunities to overcome barriers to healthy living and educational and economic well-being.
80%
of residents live in a food desert without access to healthy, affordable food
33%
of residents are obese, 12% are diabetic and 17% have childhood asthma
40%
of households don’t have a computer or internet access—the lowest in the state
22%
of high school students won’t end up graduating from Lawrence High
The DyeWorks Vision
The DyeWorks project is a manifestation of our vision of Lawrence as a vibrant, healthy city of promise and opportunity. With strong people, a strong place, and strong systems, we believe that change is possible. At its core, the DyeWorks development will connect surrounding affordable housing to commercial space and essential services that have been chosen by the people who live here.
Together, we can turn a vacant mill building into community wealth building.
Grocery Store
In partnership with a locally-owned supermarket
DyeWorks will be the site of a full-service, Latinx-owned grocery store that offers much more than food. It’s an opportunity to fill food “prescriptions,” watch cooking demos, and disrupt the food system in the surrounding neighborhood.
Pharmacy & Health Services
In partnership with Greater Lawrence Family Health Center
In addition to the well-being that comes from access to quality food, DyeWorks will improve access to essential healthcare services. The health center will also provide nutritional and behavioral health as well as an on-site pharmacy.
Community Hub
In partnership with Groundwork Lawrence
DyeWorks will add to the community in new and vibrant ways, including in its role as a free wireless internet hub. Indoor and outdoor gathering spaces are designed with work, meetings, collaboration, and the arts in mind.
Youth Programs
The new home of LCW’s Movement City
The success of our Movement City youth programming means that a larger space is needed to serve more residents and offer expanded activities and events. Along with enhanced spaces for creative arts and performance, DyeWorks will be a new home for young leaders.
Meet Our Partners
Greater Lawrence Family Health Center
Greater Lawrence Family Health Center (GLFHC) has a mission to improve and maintain the health of individuals and families in the Merrimack Valley by providing a network of high quality, comprehensive healthcare services and by training health care professionals who can respond to the needs of a culturally diverse population. GLFHC will provide an on-site pharmacy, behavioral health, and nutrition services.
Groundwork Lawrence
Groundwork Lawrence (GWL) creates and promotes healthy neighborhood infrastructure—high-quality parks and green space, off-road trails, community gardens, sidewalks, bike lanes, and trees—to encourage active living and healthy eating and achieve better health outcomes for all residents. GWL will provide healthy cooking classes, community garden support, a farmers’ market, and other programming.
Progress Report
Our Timeline
With community input, architectural designs, and financing already underway, the DyeWorks project has the momentum to move from concept to completion by the end of 2024.
Pre-Development Planning
Currently Underway
Ending Fall/Winter 2022
Fundraising & Finance
Currently Underway
Ending Spring/Summer 2024
Construction & Tenant Fit-Out
Starting Fall/Winter 2023
Ending Fall/Winter 2024
The Campaign for DyeWorks
DyeWorks has a total budget of $20 million, with $16 million in funding coming from equity raised through Historic Tax Credits, New Markets Tax Credits, and Government funding streams, as well as permanent debt.
For a transformational project of this scale, transformational gifts from foundations, corporations and individuals will help us reach the $4 million of philanthropic support that is needed to achieve our vision. The Campaign for DyeWorks is a chance to invest in the health, strength, and resilience of a hard-working immigrant community—addressing systemic racism to build a better future.
Campaign Success
We’re on the path to raising the $4 million in philanthropic support needed to make this project a reality. Check back often to see the commitments that have been made to date thanks to our generous supporters.
Donor Opportunities
Make your mark on this neighborhood transformation! As the campaign gets underway, we look forward to offering exciting opportunities for philanthropic investment at DyeWorks. More details are coming soon.
Return on Investment
More than just a building, DyeWorks will bring opportunity and a higher quality of life to Lawrence. If you would like to make this vision a reality for our residents, we welcome you to join us.
Join Us
For more information about the DyeWorks real estate development project, or to get involved in the campaign for a more equitable neighborhood, please reach out to our team today.
