Ball & Socket Manufacturing — Cheshire, Connecticut
Ball & Socket manufactured metallic buttons and fasteners from the 1850s until September 1994. On-site operations included metal stamping of brass and carbon steel, tumbling, electroplating, lacquering, and metal cleaning. Recently a group of three Cheshire residents has purchased the property with the idea of turning the 68,000 square foot location into a retail and cultural arts center. You may find out more about their vision here: Ball & Socket Arts
Modified Nikon D100 (Near IR capture)
infraredrobert 
It is nice that someone has purchased it and it maybe restored to some point. Great image, you did a good job with it Robert.
Thank you Leanne – yes…targeted repurposing. When I approached the new owners about shooting there, they were very inviting – they left me alone while they cleaned up all the “droppings” left over the years by a raccoon colony. They have a huge amount of work to do my the projected 2017 opening.
Do you think they will let you continue shooting the building, it could be really interesting to see it slowly coming back.
That is my goal – some progress shots. I have to get them a CD of the images I took as I promised them they could use my work free of charge for promotional purposes – then I hope to be invited to show the images when they get the gallery going.
Great shot, and it sounds like a labour of love for the new owners. I thank them for saving this from becoming another apartment complex.
Yes – we certainly do not need anymore luxury condos.
more than one person visiting Pennhurst said that they should turn the buildings into condos. I couldn’t help myself from replying with “Hush your mouth!”
Of course LUXURY condos… 😦
Shame on them!
Very lovely shot!
Thanks Jenn
The detail here is incredible right down to the light from the diamond patterned window. Glad the building will be put to good use.
Thanks Laura – Just back from a whirlwind trip to Rochester (parents) – Yes, I’m glad that they are turning it into artist’s spaces. Great idea, but a lot of work.
You’re welcome and welcome back!
I feel like I pushed the car the entire trip…time for a cat-nap (yes a nap with my cats)
Awww cute!
fantastic light on the beautiful IR. I like the leaded window reflections!!
The place is a real beauty…just wait till you see the president’s office (2nd floor, left).
Thanks!
Great image, Robert, and interesting story….
Thanks – getting a few happy comments that they are NOT turning the place into condos 🙂
🙂
Beautiful image – I also like the light in the leaded window . It does sound like a huge project, but fantastic if they pull it off – and I hope you get show your work there 🙂
Thanks. Regardless of if my work is worthy, i am so pleased that at least one structure will be saved for reuse.
Great shot of a great building! 😀 It has a bit of a wild west vibe, i think…
Yes, a Southwest flair – perhaps too because it is only two stories tall. Thanks!
Great shot! Glad to hear it is being repurposed.
Also congrats on your collaboration with the new owners. Wishing them success with all the work ahead of them.
Hard to picture this as a manufacturing site from here.
I just took a chance and asked – often it is very difficult to find the owners and then get permission – perhaps one day I will have an exhibit of my works here.
Im glad you were able to ask them.
Yes that would be wonderful!!! I do hope so 🙂