555 Valley Road

Composing an entire block of Valley Rd, the Valley’s main thoroughfare, this very visible building was formerly a factory and later a retail space, but had become run down.  HANDS worked with architect John Winkelman to transform this space into a theatre, community police sub-station, café, and art studios.  Luna Stage Co., a theatre company with a twenty-year history in Montclair, was drawn to the Valley Arts District and is now halfway through a successful inaugural season. . Luna Stage's facility features a black box theater, studio theater, rehearsal studio, art gallery and administrative offices all designed to meet the needs of Luna Stage and its audience. In addition to main stage shows, it also hosts readings, music classes, and youth programs inclusive of the diversity in the community. 

Artist Dan Fenelon captures the essence of the Valley Arts District and rich history of the Valley neighborhood with a beautiful mural on 555 Valley Road.

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West Orange, NJ