Lofts at Osage Mill, Bessemer City, N.C.
Retrofit Team
Owner/Developer: WinnCompanies
Architect: Tise-Kiester Architects PA
General Contractor: Rehab Builders
Historic Consultant: Ryan, formerly MacRostie Historic Advisors
The Retrofit
The 250,000-square-foot building was built by Bessemer City Founder John Askew Smith in 1896 and quickly became one of the region’s largest textile mills. It had been largely vacant for the last 30 years, a visual blight that hampered the growth and vibrancy of downtown Bessemer City, which straddles strong employment hubs in Charlotte, N.C., and Spartanburg, S.C.
WinnCompanies’ redevelopment of the mill preserved the building’s iconic exterior and historic features while creating 12 three-bedroom apartments, 77 two-bedroom units and 50 one-bedroom units for households earning 60 percent of the Area Median Income.
“The revitalization of the historic Osage Mill is a cornerstone of Bessemer City’s efforts to bring new life to our downtown and community,” says Bessemer City Mayor Becky Smith. “This project not only preserves our rich history, but also fuels economic growth; attracts new businesses; and creates opportunities for residents, existing and new. It’s a transformational step forward in making our community a vibrant place to live, work and visit.”
The Lofts at Osage Mill offers a host of modern amenities, including an onsite management office, mail room and package lockers, resident lounge, business center, fitness room and secure storage for residents. New skylights bring natural light into the building’s interior atriums, illuminating the building’s historic wooden beams and original flooring. Residents can enjoy outdoor seating, a picnic area and playground. The property offers 244 parking spaces, including 20 spaces for persons with disabilities.
The North Carolina Housing Finance Agency supported the project with tax-exempt bonds issued by the Gastonia Housing Authority. Bank of America provided construction and permanent financing, as well as equity under the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, the federal Historic Tax Credit program and North Carolina’s Mill Rehabilitation Tax Credit program.
PHOTOS: courtesy WinnCompanies
