Boston Globe: North of Boston, an old industrial city gets a second look

By Tim Logan and Janelle Nanos Globe Staff

LYNN — When you pull in to Lynn’s Central Square station on a commuter rail train, the city’s industrial past is easy to spot. Huge brick warehouses and factory buildings hearken back to its days as a capital of the shoe industry. Handsome old bank buildings echo a once-thriving downtown.

Lately though, you see new things, too.

Walls bedecked with bright murals including a Wampanoag archer pulling back her bow and a Dominican woman with a crown of curlers. A ten-story apartment building peeking over the skyline. A smattering of new restaurants on the streets below.

People who think they know Lynn are starting to give the city another look. That’s bringing new life to an old downtown where boosters had dreamed of rebirth for generations. It’s also putting pressure on current residents who worry they’ll be priced out.

Lynn is just a 20-minute train ride from North Station, as every developer in town is quick to note. Those old brick factories are gradually being converted to lofts, and new buildings are starting to rise on … [ FULL ARTICLE ]

By Tim Logan and Janelle Nanos Globe Staff

LYNN — When you pull in to Lynn’s Central Square station on a commuter rail train, the city’s industrial past is easy to spot. Huge brick warehouses and factory buildings hearken back to its days as a capital of the shoe industry. Handsome old bank buildings echo a once-thriving downtown.

Lately though, you see new things, too.

Walls bedecked with bright murals including a Wampanoag archer pulling back her bow and a Dominican woman with a crown of curlers. A ten-story apartment building peeking over the skyline. A smattering of new restaurants on the streets below.

People who think they know Lynn are starting to give the city another look. That’s bringing new life to an old downtown where boosters had dreamed of rebirth for generations. It’s also putting pressure on current residents who worry they’ll be priced out.

Lynn is just a 20-minute train ride from North Station, as every developer in town is quick to note. Those old brick factories are gradually being converted to lofts, and new buildings are starting to rise on … [ FULL ARTICLE ]

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