The Building
In the early 20th Century the window factory building was an old textiles factory. Little information about it is available in local city archives. In 2010, two local artists, who are still WFA residents today, approached the building’s proprietors, Paul Stone and James Cho, to inquire about available space. Following a tour of the building, construction of the first studio space began. After building one studio the owners, saw great potential for cultivating a dedicated space for artists to work, create and collaborate. Nearly 2 years later, what started as an industrial experiment on the third floor of the one-time textiles and window manufacturing facility, spread to two other floors and continues to grow. Local Philly artists now occupy close to 30 independent, multi-disciplinary studios in the Window Factory Arts space. Preserving much of the building’s integrity and incorporating old windows, recycled doors, and other found objects, the Window Factory’s interior aesthetic reflects an eco-friendly design and D.I.Y approach that has taken on a life of its own. Beyond a creative hub and a catalyst in community revitalization, the Window Factory Arts space is a collective work of art in progress.