The Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) started the renovation of its recently-purchased Lowell office on Tuesday, May 25, 2021. Methuen-based contractor Pete’s Construction, LLC is in charge of the extensive renovation project, which should be completed later this summer.

In addition to building six new private offices, a reception area, conference room, kitchen, and restrooms on the first floor of the building and partially renovating the second floor, the work will also include the installation of a new wheel chair lift, which was made possible by a generous grant from the Parker Foundation.

The health and social services organization is also seeking additional support from local businesses and organizations who wish to contribute to this new community center.

“This is a major project that represents a substantial investment in our organization’s ability to serve our community in the future, and we are very grateful for any support we receive,” said Paulo Pinto, MPA, MAPS Executive Director. “We are so excited to see the renovation work begin, and we can hardly wait for our grand opening later this summer and to welcome our community to our new Lowell office.”

The two-story brick building – located in the heart of the Portuguese-speaking community at 490 Central Street – will allow the organization to become more self-sufficient by saving on rental costs and generating rental income from the second-floor unit, which the organization hopes to lease.

MAPS expanded its services to Lowell in 1997 at the request of the city’s growing Portuguese-speaking community. The organization provides free citizenship assistance, immigrant integration, HIV/STI, domestic violence and sexual assault and family support services, and more to thousands of community members each year at its current Lowell office at 11 Mill Street.