Did Zach Bryan Just Buy a Church? Here’s Why It’s Making Headlines

Zach Bryan has officially purchased the historic Saint Jean Baptiste Church in Lowell, Massachusetts, for approximately $3.4 million. Following Bryan’s recent publishing and record deals (reportedly worth around $350 million), his next plan is to transform the 20,439-square-foot building into the Jack Kerouac Center, honoring the iconic Beat Generation author born in Lowell.

Built in 1890, the church holds special ties to Kerouac, who was born and raised in Lowell, served as an altar boy there, and had his funeral mass held in the building.

Bryan bought the property from TMI Property Management and Development, which acquired it from the Archdiocese of Boston back in 2006. After multiple delays from funding issues and COVID-19 disruptions since its initial announcement in November 2022, Bryan’s involvement has provided the financial push needed to finally move forward. On Instagram, Bryan called the purchase “My life’s greatest honor,” referencing his own musical inspiration from Kerouac’s On The Road—notably the 2022 single Burn, Burn, Burn.

Local advocates like Dave Ouellette from Acre Action Neighborhood and Brian McGowan of TMI have helped protect the building and draw attention to the project. Bryan’s immediate priority is updating the building to meet safety codes, enabling events to start soon. Further details and partnerships will be revealed in the coming months, with hopes of having a meaningful impact on Lowell’s cultural landscape.