The Shirt Factory

This building, known today as The Shirt Factory arts and healing center, is home to shops, galleries, artists' studios and a healing arts community.

Nearly 20 businesses here keep regular hours for the public, and you may also find working artists with their studio doors open. You might come across an impromptu demonstration or find an artist selling their creations!

Individual businesses' hours are listed on our rack card available at the entrances to the building, and you may note that the majority of them are open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 1 to 5 p.m. — though many businesses extend their hours beyond. You are welcome to wander the four floors of the building any day you wish!

Every year we hold an open house on the weekend after Thanksgiving and at several other times throughout the year. You can find out about them by joining our mailing list and friend us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/shirtfactory.

Whether you visit for a class, a therapy session, a gallery reception, to browse, wander or shop, we hope you enjoy your exploring The Shirt Factory.

History

The Shirt Factory is a historic building, designed by architect Ephraim Potter and constructed in 1902. It was once home to the McMullen-Leavens Company, known for its shirts, and later, its finely made dresses. The company acquired the label of Troy Shirt Makers Guild from a competitor in Troy, New York, in 1939.

The Troy Shirt Makers label would eventually account for almost 70% of domestic shirt sales in the United States. A retail outlet was located at the Cooper Street entrance, where Adirondack Quilts is now located. You can still see the marks, grooves and indents in the wooden floors of the building from the sewing machines and other equipment.

The factory continued operations until 1996 when globalization of the textile industry took its toll on domestic textile manufacturing. In 1999 the building was reborn as a location for art galleries, studios and other small businesses and has become a popular destination.

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Education

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