About a month ago I saw a post on my facebook news feed that alerted me that the Daily News had written an article about the rapidly growing artist scene here in Newark. While flipping through some of their images I noticed that the Sumei Gallery had found a new space in an old industrial building called the Button Factory. I lived in the Ironbound for a while so I had seen the development that took place. It seems that the building had been finished and activated as of October 2009. I was dying to get inside to take a peak.
In not so ordinary series of events, I was introduced to Andrew Wu, a co-owner of the building. (For those of you that are not aware the Button Factory is a co-op) Mr. Wu, is a perfect example of what people are referring to as the “New Newark.” He is currently located in Philadelphia with his wife, recently bought a luxury loft in Newark because he is enchanted by the urban advancement and sees “hope and opportunity in this beautiful city”
Andrew Wu tells the world why Newark is Jersey's best asset.
I expressed to him that I was anxious to get into the building and see for myself the progress. He invited me to take a tour.
The Button Factory is located at 59-69 RailRoad ave. Just to catch you up on the history:
”Designed by Architect V. Nichols, the Button Factory is one of the few remaining examples of fine 19th Century industrial architecture in the Ironbound Section of Newark. Built in 1879 as the Barret – Brown Building, the building has classic Romanesque street façades with corbelled cornices and brick, brownstone & ceramic details. For many years, this mid-rise building was a factory that manufactured and stored buttons. In the post-industrial end of the 20th century, the building grew increasing frayed and underused. In the 21st century, realizing the bright potential of its location and the original beauty of its construction, we began to bring it back.”
Now the building has been converted into 14 large loft spaces that include:
*spacious layouts
*high ceilings
*exposed ceiling joist beams
*brick walls
*wood columns
*hardwood cabinets
*bamboo flooring
*modern stoves
*central heated/cooled through exposed ducts
*pre-wired for cable/internet and telephone.
*oversized new windows
*new elevator
*full sprinkler system
*video intercom security
*landscaped courtyard
*new green-compatible roof
A third of the spaces have sold and almost all of the rest are under contract. Mr. Wu & several other are actually renting their units.
Getting back to my tour… The building is beautiful. It is a breath of fresh air for this town. Check out the pics below:
This is Mr. Wu's two bedroom loft that him and his wife plan to move into as soon as they finish their residency in Philly. In the meantime they are looking for renters!
Each unit comes with brand new cabinets and appliances. They differ from unit to unit, but each has a really unique, well-designed edge.
This was the kitchen in the model unit. Exposed brick walls, oversized windows, bamboo flooring, and a large open kitchen... WOW! What more could you ask for!
The model living room. Literally. Do you feel at home yet?
Bathroom fixtures also differ from unit to unit. I thought this was a really interesting faucet. If modern was the look they were going for, they definitely achieved it.
Exposed Ceiling beams... Beautiful!
Hanging lamp fixture. Also very modern.
I took a peak into the unfinished courtyard. Mr. Wu explained to me that there would be a coffee bar outside as soon as the warmer weather kicks in. The Sumei gallery was closed that day, however you can be sure I’ll be back to visit again. Maybe during the warmer weather, so I can get an iced latte to accompany me on my next tour. Thanks for the tour Mr. Wu!
There are units still available.
For more information visit the Button Lofts website
contact
Marie Lundi, Sales Associate 201-362-7168
February 4th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
Wow, this place is fantastic, I really like it.. We need more of this in Newark. Thank you for posting this Blake.
February 4th, 2010 at 9:26 pm
Prices for the spaces are way above market and not friendly to actual people currently living in newark. I have family in construction and as a designer myself, I know the materials & techniques used where budget friendly. Why charge me for hardwood floor and granite counter tops prices when your giving me plastic counter tops that I would need to replace & bamboo floors (that cost a fraction of the price and need to be replaced since they were already starting to warp) Its too bad the building is amazing but the prices are a joke. Did you mention that your right next to a train track? Yes, good luck reselling and making a profit when your feet away from the train tracks! p.s- No parking for current owners of the space. If you could a afford the prices, good chances are you could have a nice car. Good luck on not having your car broken into. I live just down the street and everyday at least two cars get broken into around here.
February 6th, 2010 at 9:20 pm
As Newark81 mentioned, this is almost leaning against the railroad tracks. I live in a condo a few blocks east and can hear the occasional train. I wonder what it would sound like just a few feet away? I am sure the vibration alone will be entertaining. When I saw this being developed I asked myself who in their right mind would ever buy into this mess. Now I guess I have the answer.
February 9th, 2010 at 2:37 pm
There was a post about these on wired NY with pictures
http://wirednewyork.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3727&page=94
I have to admit, that is a very nice location and if you are viewing the apartment it wuoldn’t take you long to figure out if the trains make too much noise, given how busy those track are. I did notice that they went with cheeper floors and kitchen material but this might have been a build to suit so I couldn’t say for sure.
February 14th, 2010 at 3:29 pm
The Nabobs of Negativism always excersize their right to criticize things they don’t know about. In reality though, the prices are market rate for non-luxury apartments – the fact that banks who don’t want to lend to anybody these days are appraising and lending to buyers here is the ultimate proof of that. The floors are solid bamboo, a sustainable resource, and yes, they are a little more budget friendly than hardwood pillaged from the Amazon rainforest. Kitchen cabinets are not crumby chipboard, but solid plywood with recycled hardwood doors – got a problem with that? Want granite tops – they’re negotiable with the purchase price. We’ve found that most people these days would rather save the cost. As for the railroad, the trains are really very quiet these days, if you don’t mind the horn blowing as they enter the station. Folks who don’t like that should stay away – but lots of us who live there like the trains and being right by the station.
Oh, and by the way half of the units sold have been to actual people currently living in Newark. But I guess some folks would rather see a property like this get bulldozed and turned into parking. Wouldn’t that be something to celebrate?
An owner/occupant