The Martinsville Economic Development Authority (EDA) has been awarded a $1 million grant from the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission (TRRC) to support the adaptive reuse of the historic American of Martinsville Plant 10, located at 51 Lester Street. The grant will be matched with over $1 million in local contributions, bringing total investment in pre-development and stabilization efforts to more than $2 million.
The 98,000-square-foot industrial building—once a cornerstone of Martinsville’s booming furniture manufacturing industry—will be transformed into a 100-unit mixed-use development with street-level retail and community amenities. The project addresses critical housing needs and aligns with the City’s strategic vision for revitalizing Uptown Martinsville.
“This is more than a redevelopment—this is a generational investment in our community,” said Delegate Eric Phillips, Chair of the Martinsville EDA Board. “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.”
Located just steps from the Dick & Willie Passage Trail and one block from Courthouse Square, the site is strategically positioned to serve as a catalyst for further investment in housing, infrastructure, and public space in Uptown.
The EDA, led by Executive Director Eric W. Payne, Esq., will manage the project alongside regional partners including the City of Martinsville, Harvest Foundation, Uptown Partnership, Martinsville-Henry County EDC, and others.
“We are proud to bring new purpose to one of Martinsville’s most iconic industrial sites,” said Eric W. Payne, Esq., Executive Director of the Martinsville EDA. “This is a foundational project that will deliver real economic and community value for decades.”
The project builds on a 2022 feasibility study by CJMW Architecture and reflects housing demand research by Novogradac Consulting and other regional studies. It is a key priority in the EDA’s strategy to support 500 new housing units through coordinated public and private investment.
The $2 million in funding will support:
• Environmental and structural assessments
• Architectural and engineering design
• Site preparation and stabilization
• Remediation and infrastructure planning
This funding package includes:
• $1,000,000 from the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission
• $403,325 from the Martinsville EDA for site acquisition
• $450,000 in anticipated support from local partners
• $100,551 from past EPA and Virginia Brownfields Assistance Fund grants
• $80,000 from Virginia DHCD’s Industrial Revitalization Fund Planning Grant
“American of Martinsville, 51 Lester, has the potential to be a cornerstone of Uptown’s future,” said Mayor LC Jones. “This investment accelerates our vision of a vibrant, connected city where history meets innovation—and where residents can live, work, and thrive.”
Kate Keller, President of the Harvest Foundation, added: “We are proud to support this community-driven initiative. This project reflects the resilience and forward momentum of Martinsville.”
Pre-development work is set to begin in the coming weeks, with a projected timeline of five months to prepare the site for full redevelopment. The EDA plans to utilize historic tax credits and other incentives to support construction and long-term operation of the mixed-use site.
“We are excited and ready to get to work,” said Delegate Phillips. “Special thanks to TRRC Executive Director James Campos, Deputy Director Stephen Versen, Southern Regional Director Sarah Capps, and our grant writer Catherine Van Noy, whose collaboration was essential in making this happen.”