In November, artists will begin applying to live in an affordable apartment community for people to live and pursue a craft.

The redevelopment of the Appleton Mills is the first phase of the revitalization of the Hamilton Canal district in downtown Lowell. The new development will provide a range of unit sizes and layouts where artists and their families can live and work.

Applications will be accepted during the month of November, and a lottery scheduled for Jan. 6, 2011 with a preference to artists. The artist selection board consists of a panel of owners, management and local artists nominated by the city of Lowell. The interview process is not a judge of artwork, but will allow artists the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to provide consistent participation or a commitment to a creative pursuit.

Appleton Mills is a brick restoration of a canal-side textile mill with studios, one- and two-bedrooms apartments with tall windows, soundproofing and parking. Studios range from $421 per month to $794 per month. The most expensive unit is a two-bedroom townhouse for $954 per month. Costs are based on income.

The complex features a four-story atrium with gallery for exhibitions, film screenings, performances and receptions, fitness center, laundry/community lounge with Wi-Fi, roof terrace and green roof, storage and sink rooms, outdoor open space and public passageway for rotating public art displays and two loading docks to facilitate transportation of materials and artwork.