For long-time New Jerseyans, Stangl Pottery and Flemington are virtually synonymous – both because that’s where the company started in 1925 and that’s where Stangl’s popular off-price retail location operated for decades. Stangl actually moved its pottery production to Trenton in 1934 and later sold out to Pfaltzgraff, which operated a retail outlet in Flemington for years before closing and leaving the space vacant in the mid-2000s.
In 2012 The Stangl Factory, LLC, acquired the 16,000-square-foot former pottery factory at the corner of Mine Street and Stangl Road, in the evolving Stangl Arts District, and transformed it into a center for creative arts and related pursuits. Reusing the old building promotes local, regional and state adaptive re-use and historic preservation goals and it is once again a regional tourist destination as well as a catalyst in Flemington’s ACES – Arts, Culture, Entertainment and Shopping – downtown renaissance.
The borough was especially supportive of the $550,000 effort, granting it tax abatement. Today, 17 full-time and over 25 part-time workers are actively engaged there in the creative arts, fine craft and design. Additionally, a weekly indoor farmers’ market offers an outlet for fresh farm products and advances the interests of farmers and farmland protection. A monthly Second Sunday marketplace, featuring antiques, collectibles, jewelry, furniture and other handmade fine craft, has been enthusiastically attended.
Unlike a typical commercial real estate management approach, Stangl Factory, LLC is establishing a multifunctional destination that capitalizes on the site’s rich history. In addition to the permanent tenants, approximately 6,000 square feet of event space has been retained to permit large group activities, including non-profit meetings and fundraisers.
The preservation and reuse of The Stangl Factory in its original setting has allowed an important part of Flemington’s fine craft history to set the tone for the 21st century. It is once again a major destination and attraction that is enhancing pedestrian activity and has transformed an empty eyesore into an exciting and productive site.
ARCHITECT
Pickell Architecture, LLC
Flemington
BUILDER
Eckelmann Brothers Construction
Stockton
FINANCE ENTITY
PNC Bank
Sergeantsville
NOMINATOR
Christopher J. Phelan, President & CEO
Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce