History
In the heart of Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, lies Titan Park, a piece of industrial history dating back to 1915, that was transformed into a modern business center. At the heart of Titan Park is Brass 16823, an event facility that boasts three venues and stands as a testament to over a century of innovation, adaptation, and revitalization—a place where industrial heritage meets contemporary versatility.
A Glimpse Into the Past
We transformed historical photos of the 100 year old manufacturing plant into video and created a stunning and rare look into into the past. The photo carousel below shows the images that were used to create the video.
From Brass Rods to Memorable Events: The Story of Brass 16823
The Rise of Titan Park
The roots of Titan Park trace back to 1915, when the Alpha Metal Company began operations near McCoy’s Dam in Bellefonte, producing large-diameter brass rods. In 1917, the company reorganized as Titan Metal Company and moved to its current location on Axemann Road in Spring Township. By 1925, another reorganization birthed the Titan Manufacturing Company, solidifying the site’s reputation as a hub for metal production.
Post-World War II, Titan Manufacturing underwent significant changes in ownership. In 1959, it became Cerro de Pasco, kicking off a series of mergers, acquisitions, and name changes, including Cerro Corporation and Cerro Metal Products. This legacy continued when The Marmon Group of Chicago, IL, acquired the site in 1976.
The 21st century brought even more change. In 2007, the British firm Bolton MKM purchased the assets, renaming the operation Bolton Metal Products Company. However, the manufacturing chapter at the site ended when Bolton ceased rod and wire production in 2008 and sold its final low-melting alloy production assets in 2011.
On February 2, 2012, Navitus, LLC reimagined the facility as a thriving business campus and rebranded it as Titan Park, marking the start of a new era. Today, Titan Park is home to a diverse array of companies, supporting one another in a unique industrial space that honors its past while embracing the future.
Brass 16823: A Historic Venue with Contemporary Flair
One of the crown jewels of Titan Park is Brass 16823 a revitalized industrial space turned into a versatile event venue. The venue’s name pays homage to its brass manufacturing legacy and the Bellefonte zip code, reinforcing a deep connection to its roots.
In early 2024, Brass 16823 opened the first of its three event spaces—the Tool and Die Shop. This massive 13,000-square-foot venue, with a capacity to host up to 750 people, combines industrial charm with modern amenities. By the end of the year, two additional spaces were unveiled: the Forge Warehouse (9,000 square feet, accommodating up to 300 guests) and the Diecast Room (1,000 square feet, perfect for intimate gatherings of up to 70 guests).
Brass 16823 offers flexible settings for a wide variety of events, from weddings and corporate meetings to product launches and exhibitions. The raw, industrial aesthetic—featuring reclaimed materials and architectural details from its manufacturing past—provides a versatile canvas for creativity. This versatility is showcased in the standout events already hosted at Brass, including:
- Memorable weddings
- Standout corporate meetings
- The HVAB Awards Gala
- A theatrical production by the Sock and Buskin Theatre Group
- Penn State Wrestling team recruiting events
- Several music video productions
- The Bellefonte Holiday Bash, featuring over 50 local vendors
What sets Brass 16823 apart is not just its unique aesthetic but also its experienced team, who work closely with clients to bring their event visions to life. Whether it’s a wedding reception bathed in the warm glow of Edison bulbs or a laser tag team building event in an industrial courtyard, the possibilities are endless.
Preserving the Past: Inspiring the Future
Brass 16823 not only pays homage to the past but is also an inspiring vision for the future through their green initiatives. The original reclamation of the property was a strategic revitalization project that repurposed historical industrial structures and minimized construction waste. Modernization of the complex focused on environmentally conscious upgrades, including reclaimed materials (photos, signs and tooling to decorate spaces), energy-efficient insulation, low-emissivity windows, energy-efficient low-profile LED lighting, natural cooling from artesian springs that reduce the carbon footprint, updated electrical systems, and high-efficiency HVAC systems. In fact, Brass 16823 recently installed Trane HVAC systems that reduces energy consumption while also improving overall comfort and air quality, creating a healthier environment for events.
Currently, Brass 16823 is forming strong alliances with like-minded entities like PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, who is helping to revitalize rural communities, uplift local businesses and serves as a conservation steward to its beautiful, 13-county landscape with two million acres of public land — more than Yellowstone National Park.
Brass 16823 proudly stands as the southern gateway to the iconic Pennsylvania Wilds, conveniently located near Penn State University. The venue serves as a perfect jumping off point for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and history buffs alike. To further support this mission, Brass is a strategic partner to an ownership group constructing a Tru Hotel by Hilton in Bellefonte joining their existing sister property, the Hilton Garden Inn in State College.
The transformation of Titan Park and the creation of Brass 16823 are prime examples of how communities can honor their industrial heritage while embracing modern needs. By repurposing this historic site, the owners have given new life to a once-thriving industrial space, turning it into a destination for celebration, collaboration, and creativity.
