Murphy Varnish Works

Murphy Varnish Works
LocationMcWhorter, Vesey, and Chestnut Streets, Newark, New Jersey
Coordinates40°43′28″N 74°10′14″W / 40.72444°N 74.17056°W / 40.72444; -74.17056
Area3.5 acres (1.4 ha)
Built1865
ArchitectChapman, Howard; Lindsey, James
Architectural styleLate Victorian, Italianate, Richardsonian Romanesque
NRHP reference No.79001484
NJRHP No.1287
Significant dates
Added to NRHPMarch 9, 1979
Designated NJRHPApril 15, 1978

Established in 1865, Murphy Varnish Works was once the largest varnish-producing company in Newark, Essex County, New Jersey, United States. The company was founded by Franklin Murphy, who later created the Essex County park system as a New Jersey legislator, and served as the 31st governor of New Jersey from 1902 to 1905. The company closed in 1950.

One of the six buildings operated by the company in the Ironbound neighborhood was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 9, 1979, but remained vacant until 2016, when Javier Meleiro, restored it and converted it into 46 rental apartments renamed as the Murphy Varnish Lofts.