Photo Credit: Trevor Pavlik

In his rapid ascent from a viral YouTube creator to a stadium-grade sensation, Zach Bryan has proved himself as a powerful writer and performer, a country trailblazer and a man of the people with serious co-signs. He’s also, apparently, a fan of the beats, as demonstrated today by his purchase of Lowell, Mass.’s former Saint Jean Baptiste Church for the site of the upcoming Jack Kerouac Center.

The historic structure in the heart of Kerouac’s hometown, where the iconic beat novelist and poet once served as an altar boy and which later hosted his 1969 funeral mass, was procured to house the tribute project originally announced in 2022. After years of false starts and interrupted progress, Bryan’s collaboration over the course of several months brought a reinvigorated focus and resolved funding issues. 

“Zach reached out in October, and right from the start, it was clear he shared our passion for honoring Jack’s legacy while also creating a dynamic, creative space,” said Sylvia Cunha, who leads the Jack Kerouac Estate’s Marketing and Business Development. “He stepped up and delivered in a big way, showing incredible generosity. Our immediate focus is to bring the building up to code so we can start using the space for music and other events while forming new partnerships to help us bring this vision to life and ensure its lasting success.”

As the Center quickly shifts from a planned venture to a physical reality, the Kerouac Estate has underscored its designs to transform the 160-year-old, 20,439 square foot space into a cultural hub and haven for creativity in the region. Programming will include exhibits of archival material, live music, readings and community-oriented events. The space’s redefinition from a house of worship to a beacon of collective inspiration parallels the complex and powerful spiritual journey that bloomed through Kerouac’s works.

“We’re thrilled to be working with Zach Bryan and his team to honor Jack Kerouac in such a meaningful way,” Jim Sampas, the estate’s Literary Executor, detailed. “The Jack Kerouac Center will stand as a lasting symbol of inspiration, forever linking Jack and Zach. [Bryan’s investment] is a significant addition to the cultural fabric of Lowell and beyond, drawing visitors from all over the world.”

Learn more about the Jack Kerouac Center here, and find updates on Bryan’s live itinerary at zachbryan.com.