Northshore magazine showcases the best that the North Shore of Boston, MA has to offer.
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/646476
146 apothecary, a vintage vinyl record store, a coffee shop, a yoga studio, an indie movie theater, and a host of other inspired ventures. The old mill's fourth floor calls to mind a bustling little village cent- er, replete with an old marquee— something Lichoulas chose for its iconic value. The overall character of the place is owed, in part, to the signage that denotes each business. Lichoulas works collaboratively with tenants to make their logos fit in with what's there. Bob Leonard, of Maine's Ould Colony Artisans, has painted many historical signs across New England, and does most of the work for Lichoulas. "It's a blending process," says the mill owner of easing new businesses into the community. The vibe can also be attributed to the efforts of Luna Theater director Amelia Tucker, who is responsible for all of the graphic design elements, while Lichoulas focuses on the architec- tural buildouts. In essence, Mill No. 5 is a criss- crossing network of people, ideas, and goods—like a great beating heart being fed from all directions. And that heart has a function: to combat the stigma that continues to plague Lowell. "There has to be a reason for people to come here," says Lichoulas. "I don't think there has always been a reason. Lowell has been going through a revitali- zation since the '80s. It's been the same story repeated over and over again." He doesn't see it turning a corner with the help of a single big-business endeavor. For him, it is a grassroots movement. "It's about making what is here great." He is not interested in telling people how special the city is—he wants to show them. Recognizing that it has come a long way over the last 20 years, he sees so much Top to bottom, The iconic marquee; Vinyl Destination; Red Antler Apothecary