Manufacturers Village, a storied 19th-century industrial complex that served as the original birthplace of Johnson & Johnson, has been sold for $10.5 million.
The transaction marks the end of an era for the historic site, which had been under the stewardship of the same family for 155 years. The sale was brokered by Sheldon Gross Realty, with President Marcy Gross, Controller Theresa Davis, and Vice President Eric Weston representing the seller.
Located at 356 Glenwood Avenue, the four-acre property is a relic of New Jersey’s industrial golden age. Constructed in the 1880s, the site originally housed Seabury & Johnson, the firm that evolved into the global health care giant Johnson & Johnson.
After J&J moved its headquarters to New Brunswick in the early 1900s, the property was rebranded as Manufacturers Village. Since then, it has transitioned from a heavy manufacturing hub into a vibrant “incubator” for the arts and small businesses.
“It’s not every day you’re able to sell a commercial property that’s been around since the 19th century,” Marcy Gross said. “Manufacturers Village is a one-of-a-kind environment… home to a remarkable degree of talent and creative energy.”
Over the past two decades, Manufacturers Village has gained fame as the largest artist community in Essex County. The 104,000-square-foot complex, spread across five distinct brick buildings, currently houses approximately 40 units and studios.
The Village Ecosystem includes:
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Artists & Makers: Sculptors, woodworkers, quilters, and painters.
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Media Professionals: Photographers, filmmakers, and digital designers.
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Small Businesses: Artisanal manufacturers and community-focused startups.
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Cultural Landmarks: The site is home to New Jersey’s largest Black Lives Matter mural, a 9,000-square-foot community project completed in 2021.
For the outgoing owners—descendants of the original Seabury family—the sale was more than a business transaction. Tracy Hubert, a partner of the former ownership group, emphasized the emotional weight of the legacy.
“Selling a building that had been in our family for 155 years was deeply personal,” Hubert stated. “Sheldon Gross Realty handled the process with care, professionalism, and genuine respect every step of the way.”
While the new owner’s specific plans for the site have not yet been disclosed, the creative community remains hopeful that the “village” atmosphere—integral to the cultural fabric of East Orange—will be preserved.
