Housing and Neighborhood Development Services, Inc.

The Brass Company complex is an assemblage of five adjacent properties that turn the corner at Freeman and South Jefferson Streets in the Valley neighborhood of Orange.  In the heart of the Central Valley Redevelopment Area, the properties were the home of the West Orange Brass Company and Ideal Engraving Company for years.  Both companies shut down and this location is one of the first arts-related mixed-use properties within the ValleyArts district.  The first arts tenant (Arts Unbound) occupied space at #544 in August, 2005. 
 
Arts Unbound is a ValleyArts partner and they assist artists with disabilities to produce, show and sell art. They have been joined in Brass Company space by Black Berries II, an African art importer at #540A, and at 540B is Plasterworks - an architectural molding and mural design company.

The Brass Company project is the embodiment of HANDS’ development within the Valley Arts District. Vacant problem properties were rescued, one with real historic merit (#544). Key arts partners will be housed in the space and live/work spaces will be provided for Valley artists.

One building (#542) could not be saved but is being replaced with a very distinctive new, two-story building that will house the StudioWorks program on the ground floor. StudioWorks is a ValleyArts partner. Upstairs will be a great artist loft with high ceilings and huge windows.

On the corner, HANDS will build a new building that will connect with the industrial Ideal Engraving building on South Jefferson Street. This building will house 10-12 artist live/work lofts. This building is being designed and construction will start in December 2008;  when completed this will complete the Brass Company project.

Copyright © 2007 Housing and Neighborhood Development Services, Inc.