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The country artist is reviving the project after it was stalled due to funding issues.

Country singer-songwriter Zach Bryan has purchased the former Saint Jean Baptiste Church in Lowell to transform it into the Jack Kerouac Center to honor the deceased American novelist and poet.

The Grammy award-winning artist purchased the former church from developers who bought the building and property from the Archdiocese of Boston in 2006.

“Right from the start, it was clear [Bryan] shared our passion for honoring Jack’s legacy while also creating a dynamic, creative space,” Sylvia Cunha, who leads marketing and business development for the Jack Kerouac Estate, said in a statement. “He stepped up and delivered in a big way, showing incredible generosity.”

The Jack Kerouac Foundation, formed in early 2022, was created to establish a Jack Kerouac Museum, Performance, and Education Center inside Saint Jean Baptiste Church to preserve Kerouac’s legacy. The center was previously announced in November 2022, but the project was stalled due to funding issues during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Kerouac, who was born in Lowell, is most famous for his book, “On the Road,” and for his role in the Beat literary movement in the 1950s.

Now, the church where Kerouac served as an altar boy is being converted into a “vibrant cultural hub,” according to a press release. The church was also the site of Kerouac’s 1969 funeral mass.

“Bryan’s involvement marks a turning point, bringing essential funding and renewed energy. His commitment has provided the momentum needed to turn years of planning into a tangible reality, paving the way for the center to become a cornerstone of creativity and inspiration in Lowell,” the release said.

The 20,439-square-foot building will feature exhibits, live music, public readings, and community events.

Jim Sampas, the literary executor of the Jack Kerouac Estate, called Bryan’s investment a “significant addition to the cultural fabric of Lowell and beyond.”

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

Lindsay Shachnow

Lindsay Shachnow covers general assignment news for Boston.com, reporting on breaking news, crime, and politics across New England.

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