EASTON, Pa. — A pivotal part of Easton’s art history is up for sale.
And it’s a great opportunity for other imaginative minds to follow in the footsteps of Karl Stirner by buying the building housing his former apartment and studio space.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices President and Broker Owner Clay R. Mitman confirmed Friday that the property at 230 Ferry St., which once housed the famed Easton-based abstract sculptor’s studio space and a private apartment, was listed for sale at a price of $3.47 million.
“Since he passed, the children have come to the conclusion that it was their dad's dream, and it's time for them to move on with their own pursuits."Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices President and Broker Owner Clay R. Mitman
Mitman said Stirner was able to buy “what at the time was pretty much just a big old empty warehouse” in 1983 and flip it into studio space, office space and living and workspace for artists while maintaining a private rooftop penthouse.
“Since he passed, the children have come to the conclusion that it was their dad's dream, and it's time for them to move on with their own pursuits,” Mitman said.
'Great space for a new owner'
The structure encompasses about 40,000 square feet, Mitman said, and would work well for a number of pursuits, especially for a renter who would like the rustic appeal of an industrial space.
“I almost envision the profile for a buyer could be somebody who wants to do very much what Karl did: have a live/work studio on the top penthouse floor, but then have almost like an artist incubator or an office incubator for all the spaces down below,” Mitman said.
“So I see it as not just an arts building; it could be an office building, it could be partial work and residential."Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices President and Broker Owner Clay R. Mitman
Mitman said rooms in the building range from a few hundred to thousands of square feet, providing plenty of flexibility.
“So I see it as not just an arts building; it could be an office building, it could be partial work and residential,” he said.
The building now houses two three-bedroom apartments, along with ample space for more — and with some artists’ workspaces.
Mitman said the building packs plenty of space into a relatively small footprint, offering “lots of special spaces, little private courtyard gardens in the back, and all kinds of rooftop vistas looking out at the river.”
According to Mitman, Stirner’s strong presence in the art world and local community make the building quite a find, especially since “it’s the first time this building has been available in 40 years, and Easton has transformed itself so much in 40 years.”
“So now with all the viability of people moving in, thousands of new residents, in the past retail or galleries or artists spaces were workable, but not really high in demand," MItman said.
"Now it could be great space for a new owner.”
An artist's journey
Stirner was born in Germany in 1923, and his family immigrated to Philadelphia a few years later. After attending vocational school, Stirner went to Drexel Institute of Art to study mechanical engineering, only to drop out after six months.
After working as an industrial designer and serving in the Army, Stirner dove into the world of metalworking in Germantown.
“It's a beautiful building, and it should go quickly I liked the concept of the businesses that are in there. I think Karl had the right idea when he redid before he passed, and I'm sure it'll sell.”Easton Mayor Sal Panto Jr.
He would go on to create a metal arts studio that he ran himself for years, then teach at Moore College of Art and Design prior to becoming director of the Metal Sculpture Department at the Tyler School of Art.
Over the following decades, Stirner’s metal arts were displayed throughout Philadelphia museums, in addition to the Modern Museum of Art, the Pratt Graphic Art Center, and many other locations.
Following a short stint in Brooklyn, Stirner came to Easton, where he spent the rest of his life revitalizing the city’s art scene. He died in February 2016 at age 93.
He remains a standout figure in the city and the art world as a whole, with some of his work still present in Easton, including his renowned arch sculpture at the Karl Stirner Arts Trail.
“It's a beautiful building, and it should go quickly,” Mayor Sal Panto Jr. said.
“I liked the concept of the businesses that are in there. I think Karl had the right idea when he redid before he passed, and I'm sure it'll sell.”
