A project to redevelop a historic furniture plant in Martinsville could be underway following the Economic Development Authority’s successful bid for a grant totaling $1 million.
The grant comes from the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, which administers money from the Tobacco Indemnification and Revitalization Fund. The fund is meant to help communities that were once dependent on the tobacco industry.
The $1 million grant comes with a 100% local match, meaning EDA officials will have $2 million as they work toward renovating and repurposing the American of Martinsville Plant 10, located at 51 Lester St. Of the matching funds, $403,325 is from the EDA, while an additional $450,000 is expected from various local partners.
A little over $180,000 is expected to come from additional grants.
Martinsville, The Harvest Foundation, Uptown Partnership and the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Commission will work alongside the EDA to spearhead the project.
“We are proud to support this community-driven initiative. This project reflects the resilience and forward momentum of Martinsville,” said Harvest Foundation President Kate Keller.
[Disclosure: The Harvest Foundation is one of our donors, but donors have no say in news decisions; see our policy.]
The plant opened in 1906 and closed in 2010. The building, which totals 98,000 square feet, will be repurposed as a 100-unit mixed-use development with retail space.
In a press release, Del. Eric Phillips, R-Henry County and chairman of the EDA’s board, welcomed the news and called it a chance to reinvest in the community.
“This is more than a redevelopment — this is a generational investment in our community,” Phillips said in a press release. “The reuse of Plant 10 will breathe new life into Uptown, attract talent, spur business, and honor the industrial legacy that helped shape Martinsville. We’re deeply grateful to the Tobacco Commission and our local partners for believing in our future.”
In the release, Martinsville Mayor L.C. Jones talked about his vision for the project.
“American of Martinsville, 51 Lester, has the potential to be a cornerstone of Uptown’s future,” he said. “This investment accelerates our vision of a vibrant, connected city where history meets innovation — and where residents can live, work, and thrive.”
Pre-development work will begin over the next few weeks and is projected to continue for five months. Construction will begin once the site is prepared for full development.
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Correction 9:20 a.m. Sept. 30: Del. Eric Phillips is chairman of the EDA’s board. His title was incorrect in an earlier version of this story.
