Time: 6:00 pm–7:00 pm
If you thought you knew all that Orange had to offer, think again! HANDS, Inc. invites you to tour the strikingly rich multicultural community nested in the Valley of West Orange and Orange during A Show of HANDS Neighborhood Walking Tour series Tuesday, August 7th at 6:00 P.M. This is a terrific opportunity to uncover the history and vibrant culture developing in the Valley Arts District.
The narrated one hour walk welcomes newcomers and current residents to tour former industrial and commercial buildings rehabilitated by HANDS now occupied by local artists, innovators, entreprenuers and arts-based non-profit organizations. In addition to learning about the work of HANDS, you’ll discover why its known as “Hat City,” see some hidden gems and get a peek at the growing artist community.
Note-worthy cultural anchors include Luna Stage Theatre Company, featuring critically-acclaimed, thought provoking productions and the three-star Creole style restaurant/live music venue, Hat City Kitchen. Stops include a community earth oven, hydroponic greenhouse, a youth arts studio, No Name Hat Factory formerly owned by the Stetson brothers, a preview of two artist lofts opening in the latter part of 2012 and much more.
Tour dates for the summer season are:
- Tuesday, September 18th 6:00 - 7:00 pm
- Saturday, September 22nd 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Tours will be led by HANDS’ senior staff and Executive Director Patrick Morrissy. To schedule a tour please contact Jessica Mathelier at 973-678-3110 ext. 8 or email tour@handsinc.org. If you prefer a private group tour or are unable to take a walking tour, please contact Jessica for special arrangements. All tours begin and end at Hat City Kitchen, 459 Valley Street, Orange, NJ 07050.
A Show of HANDS tours commenced last fall during HANDS’ 25th Anniversary celebration to showcase twenty-five years of creating positive momentum in urban neighborhoods. HANDS’ revitalization efforts in the Valley Arts District provides long-term affordable commercial arts and residential spaces to attract artists to the developing neighborhood.
About HANDS, Inc.
Since 1986, HANDS, Inc. has implemented a neighborhood revitalization effort in the neighboring cities of Orange and East Orange, New Jersey. By targeting the most pivotal problem properties for development, engaging citizens and other stakeholders and leveraging investments of time and funds, HANDS has stabilized neighborhoods and created long-term sustainable change. HANDS focuses on redeveloping vacant homes (some facing foreclosure) for affordable homeownership, adaptively reusing former industrial and commercial buildings as mixed-use developments, developing resident leaders and leading community visioning and comprehensive planning. As a nonprofit community development corporation, Housing and Neighborhood Development Services, Inc. (HANDS) is tax exempt under IRS 501(c)(3) and a chartered affiliate of NeighborWorks® America. Learn more at www.handsinc.org.
About the Valley Arts District
HANDS expanded redevelopment efforts beyond dilapidated homes to include long-vacant and underutilized industrial sites using the arts as an economic engine to transform the Valley neighborhood into the Valley Arts District. HANDS’ plan for the Valley Arts District sought to build upon the area’s rich history, community assets and cause minimal or no displacement. The creation of 100 affordable art spaces, through repurposing pivotal properties, will anchor the Valley Arts District and drive the economic revitalization. HANDS believes that intentionally creating an “artist-presence” in a concentrated area will attract innovators, entrepreneurs, new customers, new businesses, restaurants, new residents and more artists.
