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
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 $20 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. And 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!
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
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.
