The old Boston and Maine Railroad Depot aka Rialto Theatre on Central Street, Lowell, MA

Boston and Maine Railroad Depot

240 Central Street

Lowell, MA

This beautiful 1876 building had many lives after it was used as the train depot. Many older residents remember when the old Rialto Theater showed movies in the building until 1960. I remember the bowling alley that followed, and that is where I learned to bowl. For many years, the building was closed, but several years ago a complete renovation was done and it is now the Richard and Nancy Donahue Family Academic Arts Center. It is used mainly by the Middlesex Community College students.

As with several other major developments in Lowell, I took photos showing before, during, and after photos. (See those at the end of this post.) On May 11, 2019, I saw the insides during the annual Doors Open Lowell event.

The 190 seat auditorium was a perfect place to watch a short video of the history and an introduction by then-President James C. Mabry. The blue lights overhead is very beautiful.

I wish the lights were off, but then you wouldn't be able to see your way around.

  

Across the street view.

Husband Bill reading something.

A dance room and another auditorium.

Four photos from the windows.

(Looking down Middlesex St., at the very end is the large seven-story Justice Center that now houses five courts and 17 courtrooms.)

Back view and parking lot (before and after).

 

NOW FOR THE CONSTRUCTION

June 5, 2015

Shortly after the above photos were taken (through the front windows), a barrier was placed around the old depot.

Article about the renovation that appeared in the Lowell Sun newspaper.

http://www.lowellsun.com/br

eakingnews/ci_30116652/lowells-rialto-renovation-high-gear