With the recent release of Made in Place: Small-Scale Manufacturing and Neighborhood Revitalization, a new report from Smart Growth America in partnership with Recast City, we’re spotlighting a few of the standout examples of cities that have fostered a small-scale manufacturing sector to revitalize their local economy. This series will highlight the merits of small-scale manufacturing and how it’s contributing to the character, appeal, and success of smart downtowns in Lowell, MA; Twin Falls, ID; and Knoxville, TN. We begin with Lowell, a former mill town that was once the epicenter of the textile industry. Learn how Lowell transformed its mothballed factories and textile mills into production and shared-use spaces.
Revisit zoning codes to support burgeoning business communities
Many aspiring business owners face the challenge of finding a space to set up shop. In many cities, outdated zoning codes actually keep small businesses from finding a home and taking part in the community’s economy. At one point, Lowell’s zoning did not support the diverse types of small- and mid-scale industrial spaces that small-scale manufacturers needed.
As part of its revitalization efforts, the city revisited its zoning codes to accommodate downtown production spaces; an artist district zoning overlay led to the creation of Western Ave Lofts and Studios, a live/work space for over 300 small-scale manufacturers and artists in a historic fabric mill building. The creation of a close-knit community of over 300 co-working and co-living artists produced a strong sense of creativity that energized the district and the city overall.
For growing businesses like Assemble Lab, spaces like Western Ave Lofts are key. “Having access to flexible work spaces that are suited for co-sharing helps small-scale manufacturers like us find spaces that are affordable,” said Sara. “We started off in a smaller space, and within a year we needed a larger one. The City of Lowell made it possible to find spaces that work for our current needs.”
The Western Avenue Loft’s network of artists and entrepreneurs serves as an invaluable asset. Proximity to burgeoning companies provides opportunities to share resources and learn ways to tackle business development challenges. By locating at the Western Avenue Lofts, Assemble Lab was able to expand their production capabilities by partnering with a neighboring designer.
“I’ve been working for designers for 17 years now, and what every designer needs is feedback,” said Sharon. “If one person is doing it by themselves, it’s very difficult, because you need someone to come in and say ‘what about trying this’ — you need that back and forth.”
Through sustained engagement and leadership, Lowell created new opportunities for small-scale manufacturers, and the city is not stopping there. To learn more about Lowell’s innovative economic development strategies, check out our recently-released whitepaper, Made in Place: Small-Scale Manufacturing and Neighborhood Revitalization.