The Shirt Factory

The Shirt Factory was built in 1902 for the McMullen-Leavens Company as a shirt factory, the building was expanded in 1910 as production increased. In the 1930's the product line expanded into dress manufacturing. The shirt and dresses produced here were high quality fashion featured on the pages of publications like Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. Production continued here through 1996 when the factory closed its doors.In 1999 the current owner began a slow process of rehabilitating the building and breaking it up into rentable studio space. Over the years the space has grown and evolved. Visitors will find an eclectic mix of individuals calling the 70 plus studios here home, offering a wide range of goods, services, classes and more. The building is open daily 8am-5pm, individual studios set their own hours/availability, please check our website for studio hours. While here you will notice machines in the halls and dresses and shirts displayed in cases, these are from the original factory that operated here, for which the building is named.The first floor is our "designated retail area" all studios on this floor are open on Thur-Sat from 12pm-5pm, many studios on the other floors are also open at this time, making these ideal days to visit the building! The range offered by tenants is impressive! There is kung fu/martial arts/tai chi, yoga & zumba, loose leaf tea, baked goods, Himalayan salt lamps and Himalayan salt products, pottery, furniture, original artwork in a variety of forms and mediums, acupuncture, massage, vintage goods, a hair salon, yarn and fiber arts...You have to it experience to truly appreciate the variety. For an experience unlike any other, visit the building during an open house, especially the two that occur between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The owner allows the tenants to invite outside vendors in to set up in the halls, it is an amazing opportunity not only to shop local, but to find unique one of a kind gifts for yourself and everyone else on your list! On our website is a full directory with tenant descriptions, hours and contact information, as well as a calendar with upcoming events and classes to help you make the most of your visit!