MCADENVILLE, N.C. — A series of renovation and renewal projects are in the works for McAdenville, as a North Carolina-based company unveiled plans to repurpose old mill buildings for office and possible food and beverage or entertainment space.
Pharr, a local company with deep roots in McAdenville, announced it is working with the town to convert and renovate old mills into office spaces, as well as commercial and entertainment facilities.
The charming Gaston County town is mostly known as "Christmas Town U.S.A." for its annual Christmas lights extravaganza, but Pharr hopes the redevelopment will make McAdenville a year-round destination.
“People are already beginning to visit McAdenville more and more outside of the month of December," Christy Gliddon, executive vice president of human resources for Pharr, said. "We want to expand on that.”
Revolver Records recently opened in downtown McAdenville and 115 Craft, a new taproom and retailer for wine and craft beer, will soon join a list of local establishments.
Pharr decided the time was right to renovate some of its downtown properties and add to the growth in the area.
“We wanted to do something that would preserve the history but also look toward the future," Gliddon said, "so this was the perfect location and time to sort of repurpose these buildings for future generations to enjoy.”
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The former 1940s Pharr Yarns mill next to the company's corporate office will be converted to office space, known as the Dynamo 31 Building. The name symbolizes the hydroelectric generator that was built and installed in 1884 to the light McAden Mills No. 1 and No. 2, which are believed by many historians to be the first electrically lit textile mills in the world. The Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation will be the building's first tenant, according to a release.
Renovations are also underway on the historic Mill No. 2 building, including replacing the turret roofs with new copper, repointing the brickwork and adding new windows. Brick surfaces will also be treated to restore their original appearance, while newly installed uplighting will provide a dramatic nighttime presence.
Across the street, the historic McAden Mill No. 3 will likely be transformed into retail and entertainment space. Pharr said there will be an open-air gathering space designed with customers in mind to showcase the riverfront location. Initial renovations are focused on the building's exterior and are expected to be completed within a few months.
“There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work going on to see what would be best for that space—food, beverage, event space, entertainment, but definitely want it to be indoor and outdoor," Gliddon said of the renovations to Mill No. 3.
Gliddon said the renovations and addition of businesses will help add to the local economy by bringing visitors throughout the year.
"Our beloved town is known for its quaint, kind offerings and for our Christmas Town USA spectacle, but we are so much more than that," Mayor Jim Robinette said. "These renovations will bring economic growth and provide new places to gather for fun and fellowship but most importantly, they will tell the stories of this town and shed a light on its rich history and resilient, good people.”
Pharr also announced the Carolina Thread Trail will be extended to an existing trailhead near the Interstate 85 bridge along the South Fork River. It will eventually complete the 26-mile trail along the river that connects the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, as well as the cities of Lowell, McAdenville, Cramerton and Belmont.
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