Despite anchoring Orange in the past, 1864 and 1907 Berg Hat Factory complex was abandoned, becoming the tallest, most evident symbol of the distress for a neighborhood past its heyday, visible to all train commuters heading to leafier suburbs.

To help anchor the nascent Valley Arts District and spur the re-emergence of the housing market in the Valley around the NJ Transit commuter rail station, HANDS redeveloped the former abandoned hat factory into a mix of loft condominiums and arts-related commercial space.

The redevelopment of this site is the “ignitor” to accelerate a renaissance in this neighborhood, attracting private investment in new housing and creative economy entrepreneurs. The building houses 32 loft condominiums and a community arts and studio space. The 800-1,200 sq. ft. units feature high ceilings, large windows, and creative floor plans.

The project serves as a pivotal milestone in the history of HANDS and desire to be responsible stewards of economic development that included a strong creative class and local entrepreneurs. The background of the residents includes art teachers, artists, non-profit leaders, local businesspeople, designers of various disciplines, and many more individuals who now call Orange home.

A true public-private partnership, we are grateful for the support of our investors, lenders, project professionals, and government entities that collaborated with us on this project.