Raw Open Artist Space at the Regal Bag

It seems that Mr. Kaplan, owner of the Regal Bag building is taking a new approach to his project of developing the Regal Bag Building into condos. This Sunday, March 20th, 10-2pm at 302 North Water Street, there will be an open house at the Regal Bag building for raw open artist space. Enter North of Torches restaurant. Already the windows have been reportedly repaired.

Newburgh Steam Mills around 1891 ©Newburgh Her Institutions, Industries and Leading Citizens

Fun Facts about the Regal Bag Building from the Heritage Tour:

“Regal Bag was built in the 1830’s as Newburgh Steam Mills, manufacturing cloth. Later the building housed Coldwell Lawnmower Co., and is currently a pocketbook factory. It is listed in Ripley’s Believe It Or Not as the only building that has its main entrance on the 6th floor.”

If you have ever passed by this building then you would know that it has uninterrupted views of the Hudson River. The building is also in it’s own little section of the developing Newburgh waterfront. According to many, the arts community is really growing in Newburgh. The Railroad Playhouse is bringing theatrical arts to Newburgh from NYC. The Downing Film Center is in the process of expanding and, the Newburgh Art Supply store just moved into a bigger space. The Ann Street Gallery continues to see a rise in visitors and is a voted favorite in the Hudson Valley and, the Ritz Theater continues to bring live music to Broadway. Kaplan Hall at SUNY OCC now has a cultural affairs office presenting art in various forms. The Pop Up Gallery was a success and hopefully will be able to do similar events in the future.

Rumor has it that 60 artists were just kicked out of their artists lofts across the river. Maybe the Regal Bag building would be something to consider? If you have any artist friends, definitely spread the word!

2 Comment

  • I’ve done a few shoots in there over the past year – the windows have all been repaired for the most part, and the natural light and wide open floor plan on the top floors are amazing. This would be a great use!

  • I would LOVE to be able to get into that building. There’s something about it that I’ve always loved.