There was a time, a century ago, when the foundry made birdcages. But such manufacturing fell on hard times in New Haven, and the handsome brick building became a derelict in a neglected neighborhood...until the early 1970's, when the city's movers and shakers decided to transform the area into an attractive Arts District.
Including a top-quality music shop there was an essential component of their plan, so they enlisted local-musician Marcia Stevens to make it happen. The newly renovated foundry building was the perfect location; up on the second floor with light streaming through the windows on both sides, the store would be like a fine library. Marcia was familiar with other world-class sheet music stores (such as the late lamented Patelson's across from Carnegie Hall in New York), and used them as models to create The Foundry Music Company.
Its doors opened in April, 1975, and the Foundry has helped musicians make music for over 45 years.
On November 30th, 2020, the cozy store on Audubon Street turned out the lights and closed its doors for the last time, in large part due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The business will now operate entirely online, but will strive to maintain the personal touch that has kept its loyal customers coming back year after year.