DyeWorks
Transforming Historic Lawrence
for Opportunity and Healthy Living
DyeWorks is the capstone of LCW’s 20 year initiative to turn the Mill District into a vibrant and equitable neighborhood – one that fosters physical and economic well-being, through access to improved health, employment and youth empowerment.
In Fall 2026, the historic 35,000 sf DyeWorks building will transform into a lively community destination housing a full-service Latinx-owned grocery store, the Greater Lawrence Family Health Center Eye Clinic, and the new home of LCW’s Movement City youth program. A bold community vision is becoming reality—creating pathways to healthier lives, meaningful jobs, and a stronger, more connected Lawrence.
This $22 million project was developed with New Market and Historic Tax Credit partners: US Bank, Raza Development Fund, Mascoma Community Development, and Dorfman Capital. Financing was provided by The Property Casualty Initiative, the Atrius Foundation, and Reinvestment Fund. Pivotal Federal, State and Local funds were utilized. Transformational contributions from generous foundations, corporations, and individuals provided over $4 million in philanthropic support, turning our vision into reality.
Together, we can turn a vacant mill building into community wealth building.
Our vision of Lawrence is 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 residents of surrounding affordable housing and commercial tenants to essential services that have been chosen by the people who live here. Dyeworks will serve the growing mixed use mill district neighborhood that has emerged out of the Reviviendo Planning Process and has leveraged private and public investment over 20 years.
DyeWorks welcomes La Fruteria, a family and Latinx-owned grocery store of North Lawrence since 2001, who will expand their business into a new 15,000 square foot full-service market offering fresh produce, meats, Latinx specialities, and prepared food. It’s an opportunity to fill food “prescriptions,” watch cooking demos, and disrupt the food system in the surrounding neighborhood. La Fruteria will create 30 new local job opportunities.
Visionary 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. Greater Lawrence Family Health Center’s will launch a new service of comprehensive primary eye care for the community.
At Dyeworks, Movement City participants will flourish in a vibrant new performance space, dance and art rooms, a music clubhouse and creative community spaces.
MC aims to double the number of youth served annually from 150 to 300, to expand program offerings, and to collaborate closely with the six nearby youth organizations in this emerging youth district. MC is engaged in a strategic planning process for this growth, setting priorities for expanded programming including additional creative workshops, increased social/emotional and mental health/wellness support, increased local civic engagement efforts, alumni network-building and career development support.
Meet Our Partners
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 nutrition support, a farmers’ market, and other programming.
Building a healthier neighborhood through safe, connected spaces
The Lawrence Youth as Change Agents Initiative helps build a healthier neighborhood by creating safe, connected spaces where youth and families can gather, build relationships, and feel a sense of belonging. Through community partnerships, shared activities, and place-based efforts in the North Canal Mill District, the initiative supports a neighborhood that is welcoming, engaged, and rooted in well-being. This work is supported by a grant from the Atrius Health Equity Foundation, whose mission is to help close the gap in life expectancy in Eastern Massachusetts by creating vibrant, healthy, and equitable communities. For more information about the Foundation, visit atriusfoundation.org.
Progress Report
Our Timeline
Driven by community vision, creative design, and secured financing, DyeWorks is springing to life—construction humming with activity and the project gathering powerful momentum to transform from dream to reality by the end of 2026.
Pre-Development Planning
Ended Fall/Winter 2023
Fundraising & Finance
Winter 2023-Winter 2025
Construction & Custom Fit-Out
Started Spring 2025
Ending Fall 2026
The Campaign for DyeWorks
Make Room for Possibilities!
With a total budget of $22 million, DyeWorks is powered by $16 million in equity raised through Historic and New Markets Tax Credits, government funding, and permanent financing. Transformational gifts from generous foundations, corporations, and individuals provided the additional $4 million in philanthropic support that turned our vision into reality. Together, The Campaign for DyeWorks supporters have invested in the health, strength, and resilience of a hard-working immigrant community—confronting systemic barriers and building a brighter, more equitable future. We’re not done yet—only $250,000 remains to fully furnish Movement City’s new home. Your support will help open doors for young people to learn, lead, and create lasting change in our community. Help LCW and the Greater Lawrence Community Make Room for Possibilities!
Will you help us furnish Movement City’s new space to Make Room for Possibilities?
In 2024, after raising the initial $4 million in philanthropic support needed to make this project a reality, the cost of fully furnishing Movement City Youth Organization’s new space remains. Your gift will ensure LCW Makes Room for Possibilities by the end of 2025!
$1,250 Raised To Date for Movement City Furnishings
Donor Opportunities
Yes, I’ll support Movement City at DyeWorks?
Make Room for Possibilities by giving the gift of creativity and community!
Every tile tells a story! A gift of $100-999 will sponsor a 6″ x 6″ tile with your name that showcases our MC members’ imagination and creativity, that makes their learning possible.
Give the gift of possibilities!
A gift of $999 or more will place your name on our Community Honor Roll, recognizing your extraordinary support for student creativity and learning.
Make your online gift by CLICKING HERE and then selecting DyeWorks: Make Room for Possibilities from the dropdown menu
-OR-
Mail your check payable to:
LCW Movement City at DyeWorks
168 Newbury Street
Lawrence, MA 01841
Attention: Resource Development
Integrated food and healthcare access that leads to healthier lives at less cost
Outdoor and green spaces to foster well-being and neighbor connections
50-60 new, local jobs with low barriers to entry and advancement potential
Expanded youth programming in a safer, more central location for families
Stronger tax base, in addition to the annual $300,000 from other LCW projects
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.
