Murphy Varnish Works

The Murphy Varnish complex, built in 1890, catalyzed the growth of the substantial paint/lacquer/varnish industry in Newark’s Ironbound district. It was founded in 1865 by Franklin Murphy and two partners, whom he soon bought out. Murphy went on to serve as Governor of New Jersey. Today Benjamin Moore is the only company of that paint industry cohort remaining in Newark. The Murphy Varnish complex was recently converted into loft apartments designed by SUAD (Studio for Urban Architecture and Design), a Newark-based firm headed by two NJIT grads, David Robinson and Madeline Ruiz. Photo: M.Gosser.