HISTORIC PRESERVATION / MARKET RATE HOUSING / COMMERCIAL

The 1902 Lenoir Cotton Mill/Blue Bell Plant is both architecturally and socially significant. The existing structure displays character-defining features of early- to mid-twentieth century industrial architecture, retaining heavy-timber post-and-beam interior structural systems as well as large arched windows in load-bearing brick exterior walls. Additionally, its workforce was progressive for the time, with a large number of Asian, African American, and female employees.  

The design adheres to the National Park Service’s Standards for Rehabilitation while providing 46 new apartments to the city of Lenoir as part of the downtown revitalization.

The emphasis of the large, well-lit open public spaces throughout the project are key design features.  Tenants will step through history as they walk through the main corridors, where the restored existing flooring, post-and-beam structure and expansive windows will be showcased. Each unit emphasizes the existing industrial architecture with tall ceilings and exposed heavy timber structure.