The Murphy Varnish Building remains as the last parcel of a large industrial complex located in the Ironbound section of Newark, New Jersey where a former governor developed a formidable national family enterprise. The registered historic structures that occupy a city block include the main building together with the company ‘gymnasium’. The buildings are to be restored and converted to mixed uses of residences and professional offices. Parking will be provided both on site, integrated with courtyards and walkways, and engineered to be provided below at the basement level. The adaptive re-use involves the new construction of a lobby, stair cores and a top floor to be constructed behind the street façade of the original mansard roof.