One River School of Art & Design — Courtesy: Colliers International
By Joshua Burd
Colliers International has brokered more than 12,000 square feet in recent leases for a growing art school operator in the region, including transactions in Bergen and Essex counties.
In a news release, the firm said it represented One River School of Art & Design in its expansion beyond its original location in Englewood. The operator launched in 2012 and has since added locations in Allendale and Millburn in New Jersey and two locations in New York’s Westchester County.
Colliers Executive Managing Director Nancy Erickson and Associate Director Kelly Bayer brokered the deals on behalf of One River. The locations include:
- 284-292 Millburn Ave. in Millburn (2,175 square feet)
- 319 Franklin Turnpike in Allendale (4,000 square feet)
- 112 South Central Ave. in Hartsdale, New York (3,300 square feet)
- 2081 Boston Post Road in Larchmont, New York (3,100 square feet)
One River teaches studio and digital art to all ages and is designed to serve as a cornerstone for art in its communities, Colliers said. Classes are affordable and emphasize having fun and exploring what is artistically current and relevant within a project-based methodology.
“We have taught over 4,000 unique students at our Englewood location over the past five years, generating positive educational outcomes and the foundation to scale our concept, and at a greater momentum with the Allendale location,” said Matt Ross, One River’s founder. “These new studios represent the next step in our journey. Based on the enthusiasm we are seeing from these communities, we are well positioned for continued progress.”
Like the Englewood and Allendale locations, the new spaces will feature integrated galleries presenting exhibitions from important emerging artists.
Erickson and Bayer, who have been involved with the One River brand since its inception, said they are seeking additional locations in the region and are helping Ross develop a program for national expansion. One River also opened its first franchise location in Frisco, Texas, this spring.
“One River is an exciting concept, backed by experienced leadership that is well-equipped to support regional and national growth,” Erickson said. “As the founding CEO of School of Rock, Matt is a proven entrepreneur. He helped build that company into the world leader in music education for kids. School of Rock today operates almost 200 units in eight countries.”
