Oklahoma's Own Zach Bryan buys historic church in Massachusetts for Jack Kerouac Center

A historic Massachusetts church where Jack Kerouac once served as an altar boy — and where his funeral mass was held — is now in the hands of Oklahoma’s Zach Bryan, who’s helping transform the site into a cultural hub.

The former Saint Jean Baptiste Church in Lowell will become the Jack Kerouac Center thanks to Bryan’s purchase and financial support. The project was first announced in 2022 but had stalled due to a lack of funding.

A Landmark Full of Literary and Local Significance

Built in 1890, the church was once a centerpiece of Lowell’s French-Canadian community. It holds personal and historic connections to Jack Kerouac, one of the most influential voices of the Beat Generation.

The building has sat unused for years, even after plans were unveiled in 2022 to convert it into a creative and educational space dedicated to Kerouac’s life and work.

Zach Bryan Steps In to Fund the Vision

Bryan, a GRAMMY-winning country artist from Oklahoma, finalized the purchase from TMI Property Management and Development. His involvement brings renewed energy to a long-envisioned project.

“We’ve been working on this deal with Zach and his team for several months,” said Sylvia Cunha, who leads marketing and business development for the Jack Kerouac Estate. “He stepped up and delivered in a big way, showing incredible generosity.”

Bryan, whose single “Burn, Burn, Burn” was inspired by Kerouac’s novel On the Road, said the connection is personal. His backing ensures that the center will begin operations, starting with basic renovations to bring the building up to code.

Image Provided By: SOLOMON CORDWELL BUENZ

What the Jack Kerouac Center Will Offer

Once restored, the 20,439-square-foot building will host exhibits, live performances, public readings, and community programming.

Planners envision the center as a modern sanctuary for artists and creatives — a space where music, literature and culture intersect.

“We’re thrilled to be working with Zach Bryan to honor Jack Kerouac in such a meaningful way,” said Jim Sampas, Kerouac’s literary executor. “The Jack Kerouac Center will stand as a lasting symbol of inspiration, forever linking Jack and Zach.”

A Boost for Lowell’s Acre Neighborhood

The project is also seen as a transformative moment for the local community. Dave Ouellette, a neighborhood leader and founder of Acre Action, has been advocating for the preservation and repurposing of the church for years.

“This is a game-changer for our community,” Ouellette said. “The Jack Kerouac Center will provide a vital platform to inspire us at a pivotal moment in history, while also serving future generations.”

Bryan’s funding allows for immediate repairs, and organizers say more details will be announced in the coming months.

About Jack Kerouac and Zach Bryan

Kerouac, born and raised in Lowell, became an icon of postwar American literature with works like On the Road and The Dharma Bums. His style helped shape the Beat movement of the 1950s and beyond.

Zach Bryan, who rose from Navy service to become one of country music’s fastest-rising stars, is known for his raw lyrics and genre-defying sound. His hit albums and sold-out tours have drawn massive fan followings, and he’s garnered multiple GRAMMY nominations and Billboard accolades.

Now, his support of the Jack Kerouac Center adds “cultural philanthropist” to his resume — a move that bridges two generations of rebellious, reflective artistry.