In a vibrant celebration blending art, community, and infrastructure, PSEG and City of Orange officials unveiled a striking new mural at the Orange Heights Switching Station in Orange, New Jersey, on Thursday. The installation integrates essential electrical infrastructure with the unique character of the neighborhood.
Situated at the corner of South Jefferson Street and Forest Street within a redevelopment and arts-focused zone, PSEG collaborated closely with city leaders, local residents, and members of the Valley Arts District. This partnership ensured that the electric reliability project met both energy infrastructure requirements and the community’s revitalization goals.
“This station demonstrates the power of collaboration and creativity, showing how we can enhance energy infrastructure while actively engaging with the neighborhoods where we operate,” said Rick Thigpen, PSEG Senior Vice President for Corporate Citizenship. “It’s a strong example of how public-private partnerships can improve infrastructure while enriching the community.”
Operational since 2024, the Orange Heights Switching Station replaced the aging Orange Valley Substation nearby. The previous facility, with equipment nearing the end of its lifespan, was vulnerable to flooding during major storms, including Superstorm Sandy and Hurricane Irene, which threatened critical systems and put nearly 9,000 homes and businesses at risk of outages.
Analysis of FEMA flood maps and historical data highlighted the urgent need for a new facility. The upgraded station is designed to meet modern reliability standards, endure future climate challenges, accommodate long-term energy demand, and enhance overall system reliability.
Merging Critical Infrastructure with Community Art
PSEG emphasized reflecting the neighborhood’s character and creativity throughout the project. City leaders, residents, and the Valley Arts District collaborated on the design to ensure it felt truly part of the community.
Curator Layqa Nuna Yawar worked with the City of Orange Arts Committee to gather mural concepts from local artists and organize a student art competition. Public workshops allowed residents to help shape the vision. The result is a perimeter wall that resembles a city block, complete with windows, doors, lighting, signage, and a new seating area with a sidewalk — all carefully designed to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding streetscape.
The mural’s centerpiece, created by artist Tom Nussbaum, is a bold abstract design inspired by patterns in global textiles and the complex networks of electrical distribution.
“The mural reflects the connections of the electrical grid and symbolizes the links our community shares with the world,” Nussbaum explained.
Orange Township Mayor Dwayne D. Warren remarked, “This project shows that building utility facilities can enhance, rather than detract from, a community’s quality of life. It also demonstrates how companies like PSEG respond most effectively when the community’s voices and talents are engaged and celebrated.”
Situated at the corner of South Jefferson Street and Forest Street within a redevelopment and arts-focused zone, PSEG collaborated closely with city leaders, local residents, and members of the Valley Arts District. This partnership ensured that the electric reliability project met both energy infrastructure requirements and the community’s revitalization goals.
“This station demonstrates the power of collaboration and creativity, showing how we can enhance energy infrastructure while actively engaging with the neighborhoods where we operate,” said Rick Thigpen, PSEG Senior Vice President for Corporate Citizenship. “It’s a strong example of how public-private partnerships can improve infrastructure while enriching the community.”
Operational since 2024, the Orange Heights Switching Station replaced the aging Orange Valley Substation nearby. The previous facility, with equipment nearing the end of its lifespan, was vulnerable to flooding during major storms, including Superstorm Sandy and Hurricane Irene, which threatened critical systems and put nearly 9,000 homes and businesses at risk of outages.
Analysis of FEMA flood maps and historical data highlighted the urgent need for a new facility. The upgraded station is designed to meet modern reliability standards, endure future climate challenges, accommodate long-term energy demand, and enhance overall system reliability.
Merging Critical Infrastructure with Community Art
PSEG emphasized reflecting the neighborhood’s character and creativity throughout the project. City leaders, residents, and the Valley Arts District collaborated on the design to ensure it felt truly part of the community.
Curator Layqa Nuna Yawar worked with the City of Orange Arts Committee to gather mural concepts from local artists and organize a student art competition. Public workshops allowed residents to help shape the vision. The result is a perimeter wall that resembles a city block, complete with windows, doors, lighting, signage, and a new seating area with a sidewalk — all carefully designed to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding streetscape.
The mural’s centerpiece, created by artist Tom Nussbaum, is a bold abstract design inspired by patterns in global textiles and the complex networks of electrical distribution.
“The mural reflects the connections of the electrical grid and symbolizes the links our community shares with the world,” Nussbaum explained.
Orange Township Mayor Dwayne D. Warren remarked, “This project shows that building utility facilities can enhance, rather than detract from, a community’s quality of life. It also demonstrates how companies like PSEG respond most effectively when the community’s voices and talents are engaged and celebrated.”