Lowell, Michigan
Lowell, Michigan | |
|---|---|
 Location of Lowell, Michigan | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Michigan |
| County | Kent |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Jim Hodges |
| • City Manager | Mark Howe |
| • Public Works Director | Dan Desjarden |
| • Chief Of Police | Barry Getzen |
| Area | |
| • Total | 3.1 sq mi (8.0 km2) |
| • Land | 2.9 sq mi (7.5 km2) |
| • Water | 0.2 sq mi (0.5 km2) |
| Elevation | 636 ft (194 m) |
| Population (2000) | |
| • Total | 4,013 |
| • Density | 1,391.2/sq mi (537.2/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code | 49331 |
| Area code | 616 |
| FIPS code | 26-49540Template:GR |
| GNIS feature ID | 0631155[1] |
Downtown Lowell Historic District | |
  | |
| Location | Roughly along Main St. bet. Hudson and Washington, Lowell, Michigan |
|---|---|
| Built | 1904 |
| Architect | McDole, Shaw, et al.; Vinton, Colonel H.H., et al |
| Architectural style | Late Victorian, Art Deco |
| NRHP reference No. | 99001539 [2] |
| Added to NRHP | December 09, 1999 |
Lowell is a city in Kent County of the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2000 census, the city population was 4,013. The city is in the northern portion of Lowell Township, but is politically independent. It is considered a bedroom community of nearby Grand Rapids.
History
Lowell was founded as a trading post on the south bank of the Grand River in 1831 by Daniel Marsac. In 1847, he purchased land on the north side of the river and platted it as "Dansville". In 1851, a post office was established there named "Lowell" after the township. The community was replatted in 1854 and renamed after the post office. It incorporated as a village in 1861.[3] Lowell is the home of a retired showboat, the Robert E. Lee.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.1 square miles (8.0 km²), of which, 2.9 square miles (7.5 km²) of it is land and 0.2 square miles (0.5 km²) of it (6.47%) is water.
Demographics
As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there were 4,013 people, 1,492 households, and 1,008 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,391.2 per square mile (538.0/km²). There were 1,564 housing units at an average density of 542.2 per square mile (209.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 96.21% White, 0.57% African American, 0.62% Native American, 0.42% Asian, 0.12% Pacific Islander, 0.72% from other races, and 1.32% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.14% of the population.
There were 1,492 households out of which 38.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.1% were married couples living together, 14.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.4% were non-families. 26.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.59 and the average family size was 3.17.
In the city, the population was spread out with 29.3% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 30.8% from 25 to 44, 17.6% from 45 to 64, and 13.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 89.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.8 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $42,326, and the median income for a family was $49,145. Males had a median income of $36,525 versus $25,625 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,843. About 4.4% of families and 6.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.3% of those under age 18 and 7.5% of those age 65 or over.
Lowell is neighbored by Vergennes township, Lowell township, and Ionia county communities.
Schools and Athletics
Lowell has six schools within its public school district: the high school, middle school, 3 elementary schools, and Unity high school. The district excels in Michigan educational assessment program (MEAP), with only 8.3% of Michigan Schools scoring higher, and 95% of students are excelled in reading and math. They have around 4000 students in the district with a growth rate of 75 per year. The district covers 130 square miles (340 km2), The superintendent of the school as of 4 years is Gregory Pratt.
There is also one private school, St. Patrick School, located within the Lowell School District. This school serves children from preschool through 8th grade and is affiliated with St. Patrick Catholic Church in Parnell. The school provides a comprehensive, faith-based curriculum.
Lowell High School's mascot is the Red Arrow. Lowell High School participates in Division 2 for all sports according to the Michigan High School Athletic Association. They participate in almost all sports but are most notably known for their football team who at one point was the #1 ranked team in the nation in USA Today's Massey Ratings, and has also raised over $200,000 for breast cancer research in a now annual Pink Arrow game, where thousands of fans and players don pink.
The football team is known for being a powerhouse and as having the largest program which holds 3 state titles (2002, 2004, 2009), The Equestrian team holds the most state titles including the first for the school, 4 total (2000, 2002, 2003, and 2007), and strong wrestling program also regarded as a powerhouse which holds 3 state championships (2002, 2004, 2009).
Recreation
| Lowell Parks | Location |
|---|---|
| CreeksidePark | Located in the 1600 block of Gee Dr. |
| Rec Park | Located in the 300 block of S. Broadway St. |
| Richards Park | Located in the 300 block of N. Hudson St. |
| Stoney Lakeside Park | Located in the 1200 block of Bowes Rd. |
| Lowell Dog Park | Located in the 1200 block of Bowes Rd.[1][2] |
Lowell is the home of the North Country Trail Association.[4]
Notable residents
- David Christenson, distinguished classical scholar, grew up in Lowell (1960-74)
- Mike Dumas, professional football player (retired)
- Dave Hildenbrand, Michigan politician[5]
- Anthony Kiedis, "Red Hot Chili Peppers" lead singer
- Daniel Vosovic, a fashion designer and a finalist in season 2 of the reality show, Project Runway.
References
- ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Lowell, Michigan
- ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. March 13, 2009.
- ^ Romig, Walter (1986) [1973]. Michigan Place Names. Detroit, Michigan: Wayne State University Press. ISBN 0-8143-1838-X.
- ^ "North Country Trail Association". Retrieved 18 January 2011.
- ^ "Senator Dave Hildenbrand". Michigan Senate Republicans. Retrieved 17 January 2011.
http://www.pinkarrowpride.org/
External links
Municipalities and communities of Kent County, Michigan, United States | ||
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