Overview

For most artists, studio ownership is a dream. Artists studios tend to be either rentals in buildings where the future is always in question or in cramped spaces in our homes that are better served as family rooms or garages. There is now an affordable alternative giving you studio ownership in a commmunity of like-minded artists.

Over a year in planning and preparation, the Gorse MIll Studios project began construction in November 2007. Housed in an historic mill building, the Gorse Mill Studios includes 33 work-only studio condominiums and a gallery. We are located in a quiet residential neighborhood and our property includes a huge wooded backyard area and ample parking for owners and visitors. FLASH! November 2008. Construction is now complete and our Certificate Of Occupancy is in hand. 60% of the studios have been sold and our artists are moving in.

History

Our historic mill building dates back to the late 19th century and was built by Stephen Thorpe to house his fabric manufacturing company. It was sold to William Gorse in the early 20th century who continued to manufacture fabric, most noteably corsets, as the William Gorse Company. In mid 1970 the company closed and the building stood vacant. In 1982 the building was purchased by the Apahouser Lock Co. which designed and produced high tech security systems. This company and it’s successor Best Lock and then Stanley Systems operated until December of 2006. It was then that the idea of an artist studio complex began to take root. Our building is the last surviving mill building in Needham.

Project Team

The Gorse Mill Studios is the result of the efforts of a dedicated team of professionals.