Let's take a short tour of Phillipsburg! We'll start at Union Square and work our way up the hill, beyond the Vandegrift Bridge, and go to Shappell Park, and maybe even a couple of other interesting places not on Main Street.
Click on the Directions Page to find a printable street map to help you on this tour.
Union Square in 1921.... at the extreme left is the Lee House, the Union Square Hotel (built in 1811) is at the left center, the Phillipsburg National Bank is at the extreme right and the Pennsylvania Railroad Passenger Station is next to the bank.
Union Square Center Building in the 1990s
Union Square Center Building today... Purchased and renovated by James & Dana Guerra. Jim & Dana chose Phillipsburg to invest in a new commercial and residential location, believing in the revitalization of Phillipsburg. This building now houses three commercial ground floor rentals and six modern apartments.
The Union Station Grill, formerly the Wardell Steakhouse and Raw Bar, opened its door February 1, 2006. The restaurant is located at 9 Union Square, next to Jimmy's on the Delaware and the Free Bridge. The cuisine is Contemporary American Fusion, with Italian, French and Thai influences. After taking a scenic train ride along the Delaware, come in and enjoy a magnificent meal in our rail car dining room or in our modern main dining room. We are opened Tuesday - Sunday for lunch and dinner specializing in Social Functions and Catering.
The former "Phillipsburg Municipal Beach" nicknamed "Sloppy Beach" is located south of the Free Bridge and is the location for fireworks displays, picnics, and special events. The beach is currently owned by Ed & Mary Ann Kobble.
As we progress up the hill toward the Vandegrift Bridge, we pass Delahanty's, a sports bar & restaurant, featuring an outdoor deck overlooking the Delaware River. Formerly known as Toot's Tavern, new owners Jim & Carole Diee, found old newspapers dated 1861, as well as old canal boat poles during the restoration of the building.
This late 1800s wedge-shaped building was the former 2nd National Bank. It sits at the split off of S. Main and Market Streets. In 2009, this renovated building became the home of Phillipsburg Bakery.
Dr. & Mrs. Wolfe have resided in this S. Main St. home for over 40 years. On your stroll up the hill, take note of the unique architecture. The home is located across from historic Market Street.
The Gold Cup is a sporting goods store owned & operated by Ron Perio. This 1800s building was formerly occupied by the Phillipsburg Furniture Store.
The Lander-Stewart Mansion is Phillipsburg's only brownstone, built in 1880 to resemble those of East Side Manhattan. Exotic wood, marble, tile and glass, brought back from the Stewarts' European travels, line the interior. The first floor office housed the Phillipsburg Telephone Company in the 1930s. Mr. & Mrs. Scott Curzi currently reside in this stately home, having spent many loving hours on the restoration.
Just beyond the brownstone, heading towards the Black Bridge, you will encounter the Stewart Townhouse. Jacob Stewart (an attorney) and later, his son John (a physician) lived and practiced in this building. In the late 1880s, Dr. Petries' office was located in this building. And, Senator Wayne Dumont's law firm practiced here from 1914 through 1992.
The Painted Lady Building was built in 1853 by Henry Saeger and restored in 1999 by Rod & Carrie Scott. The Painted Lady showcases its historical detail with seven Victorian colors.
Built in 1911, the Phillipsburg Train Station provided passenger service to Newark and Netcong. The station is currently the home of the "Friends of the NJ Transportation Museum."
Moving on up the hill, just beyond the train station is the recently renovated Vandegrift Bridge. This landmark represents the geographic "crossover" on up to "upper" S. Main St. where many more retail stores are to be found.
After passing the Police Annex and the O'Donnell Senior Housing building on the left, we continue around the curve, passing, Joe's Sandwich Shop, Noto-Wynkoop Funeral Home, Graphic Action & Pro Signs, and many more shops of interest. We then see the beautiful Shappell Park, formerly known as Lovell Square!
Shappell Park is the former site of Phillipsburg's Town Hall, beautifully depicted in paintings by local artist Dick Schisler. The park is triangular in shape, bounded by S. Main St., Sitgreaves St. and Jersey St. The Park has undergone several renovations in recent years, with the addition of a beautiful large Gazebo, and in 2003, the addition of new benches, period lighting, flowers & shrubs, and paver walkways.
Many activities take place in the Park throughout the year. "Movies in the Park" continues to grow in popularity, the opening night of the Ole Town Festival begins here, and many concerts, weddings, and special events are held in this serene setting.
At the tip of Shappell Park stands this memorial monument, which was dedicated to the soldiers and sailers of the Civil War on May 10, 1906.
Formerly Algarve Restaurant, this building was once Osborne House (1880.) The Osborne House hosted many out of town guests, including Thomas Edison.
On the corner of S. Main & Stockton Streets, we see the former Schaefer House, beautifully transformed by Mack & Willi Sullivan into the South Stockton Station Family Restaurant.
St. Philip & St. James Church. This impressive red brick building was built in 1873; it succeeds an older Catholic church, which was built in 1860 at the same site. The "new" church was built around the old in stages, starting from the apse end; the tower wasn't completed until 1911.
As you leave the downtown area, be sure to take a drive through our residential streets to see the individual pride that our residents take with their yards and gardens.
Wind your way back to Memorial Parkway (Route 22) to Corliss Avenue and from there to Roseberry Street. Here you will pass our Municipal Building, with the Library snuggled right behind it, and more residential homes. Warren Hospital is on Roseberry Street.
After passing the Municipal Building, turn the corner to visit the Phillipsburg Free Public Library sitting across the rear parking lot.
Warren Hospital serves the town of Phillipsburg and the surrounding area. The hospital has undergone several phases of renewal in the last decade, and is an active participant in the community, donating funds to enable the town to continue to operate Walters Park Pool for 2 years in a row, hosting housing seminars, and caring for the community's welfare.
This building was Phillipsburg's first water company (The Peoples Water Company) until 1970.
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