Last night Lowell Telecommunications Corporation, the city’s public access cable TV station, held the grand opening of its new/renovated facility on Market Street. In its original configuration, LTC occupied a ground floor portion of the refurbished mill building and a second floor portion that was offset from the ground floor. Going from one to another was a navigational challenge plus the accessibility of the second floor for those with mobility limitations was sketchy. Immediately downstairs from the second floor when this all opened 20 years ago was a food court which unfortunately didn’t last too long.

For several years, LTC explored options for expansion but the search kept returning to its original and current location. With great cooperation from its landlord, the Lowell National Park, LTC was able to modify its lease to take custody of the old food court space and to abandon its offset first floor quarters. The final result was unveiled last night to the several hundred people who showed up for the grand opening. Here’s how the LTC website describes the event:

Please join LTC board, staff, fellow members, and many more tonight from 5PM to 8PM as we all celebrate the new, expanded space.

Highlights include:
– Official Ribbon Cutting
– Ceremonial Monk Blessing
– Live jazz music by The Sauce, featuring Stanley Swann, Evan Goodrow, and Thomas Hebb
– Funky beats spun by DJ Shima
– Art Murals from The Revolving Museum
– Wine provided by Tutto Bene

The space is a wonderful addition to LTC and to the city of Lowell. But it is just a space. What will make it truly outstanding it the work that is done by the people who use the facility. All involved in LTC hope that this grand opening will serve as the launch of a resurgence of interest across all demographics of the city in public access TV. For more information about LTC including membership and training opportunities, please check out the LTC website.