Under new ownership, the Silk Mill Lofts in Union City will see a multi-million dollar capital improvement project that hopes to further establish the complex as an urban arts center.
Originally built in 1874 as home to the R. H. Simon Silk Mill, Silk Mill Lofts consists of seven brick buildings of varying heights connected by courtyards that are traversed by bridges, walkways and corridors. It has served as a flourishing New York metropolitan artist refuge since the 1990s. Currently, the 125,000 square foot space, which occupies a full city block from 39th-40 Street, is 55% occupied by practicing artists and creatives involved in visual arts, photography, sculpture, painting, glass works and more.
Sun Equity Partners recently purchased the landmark complex with the intent of providing existing tenants improved work environments and attracting new artists and commercial users from Hudson County and New York City. They’ve enlisted renowned Hoboken-based Lee Levine Architects, an expert in space planning and interior and building design and a specialist in sensitive alterations of landmark and historic structures, to work on the renovation project.
“The arts have long been an important part of the fabric of Union City and Hudson County, but finding appropriate work space continues to be a struggle,” said Abe Tress, Director of Operations for Sun Equity Partners. “Silk Mill Lofts’ soaring spaces, large windows, natural light and spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline, as well as the historic charm stemming from the brick exteriors and towering smokestacks, provide the perfect ambiance for creative work. With some strategic upgrades, the property will anchor the area’s growing arts scene by attracting new tenants from both sides of the river, as well as provide unique loft spaces for office leaseholders.”
Interiors at Silk Mill Lofts feature 13’ to 16’ loft ceilings and industrial windows to provide the right amount of space, natural light and ambiance artists need to be at their creative best. There are also freight elevators to accommodate the transfer of large materials and works.
[gmap height=”250px”]540 39th St, Union City, NJ 07087[/gmap]
Silk Mill Lofts – 540 39th St, Union City, NJ 07087
