Lowell board approves special permit for Mary Health & Spa at 26 Market Street with plan revision condition

The Lowell Zoning Board of Appeals on May 11 approved a special permit allowing Mary Health & Spa to operate a massage and nail-care business at 26 Market Street, unit B, in the Downtown Mixed Use zoning district, with a condition that the applicant submit a revised floor plan identifying the nail-care area.

The board voted unanimously to grant ZBA-2026-16 after Kaning, the building owner, described converting a former union office to retail/spa use, ADA upgrades including an accessible ramp and enlarged restroom, and said the applicant already operates a location in Denver. Kaning said the business will combine nail services and spa therapy and confirmed that the business owner and an employee hold Massachusetts state licenses to practice.

Board members focused discussion on zoning and licensing questions raised in staff comments. Member Prote asked whether the application met the affiliation requirement cited in staff comments under section 7.4 for massage therapy establishments; Kaning replied that because the business includes a nail-salon component, that use satisfies the referenced zoning requirement and that state licenses are in place. Member McCarthy proposed, and the board adopted, a condition that the applicant revise and resubmit a floor plan showing the area designated for nail services.

Chairman Pek conducted a roll-call vote: Chairman Pek, Vice Chair Callahan, Member McCarthy, Member Brier, Member Prote, Member Hubby and Member Shanahan all voted to approve the special permit with the plan-revision condition.

The permit allows Mary Health & Spa to proceed with tenant-fit work and required building permits; the board’s action is a zoning approval and does not replace required construction, building, or health permits.