Murphy Varnish Works

Established in 1865, Murphy Varnish Works was the largest varnish producer in Newark, New Jersey, founded by Franklin Murphy, a notable figure who later became the state's governor. The company ceased operations in 1950, but one of its historic buildings was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. After years of vacancy, it was restored in 2016 and transformed into the Murphy Varnish Lofts, now offering 46 rental apartments, making it a point of interest for both tourists and researchers exploring industrial heritage and urban redevelopment.