A CENTURY OF HISTORY REIMAGINED
Photo Credit: Kevin Ruck
The Transformation of a Historic Greenville Cotton Mill into The Lofts at Woodside Mill
The story of Woodside Mill is a tale of resilience and evolution. From its inception in 1902, the mill played a pivotal role in the textile industry, becoming the largest cotton mill in the U.S. under one roof by 1920. Its significance extended beyond manufacturing, creating a vibrant mill community with schools, churches, and recreational facilities.
The challenges of the Great Depression led to changes in ownership, and like many American mills, Woodside faced uncertainty. Yet, through strategic preservation efforts, the buildings structural integrity was maintained, allowing it to serve as a commercial space for several years before closing in 2006.
Over fifteen years later, Woodside Mill has been reborn as The Lofts at Woodside Mill, thanks to the vision of Crossgate Partners, BetschAssociates, Caldwell Constructors, and the creative expertise of our team at Kelsey Cameron Interiors. This transformation is nothing short of a rebirth, breathing new life into a historic icon.
Photo Credit: Kevin Ruck
For The Lofts at Woodside Mill, our aim was to craft a contemporary industrial environment that honored the Mill's century-old legacy, while infusing it with a fresh perspective. We achieved this by juxtaposing vibrant, crisp finishes featuring pops of color and texture against the building's inherent industrial components of brick, steel, and concrete. The sleek, minimalist approach of mid-century modern design resonated with me, as it effortlessly complemented the vintage materials, infusing the Mill with a distinct, contemporary flair.
To honor Woodside Mill’s history, we diligently worked to ensure the preservation of the historical materials during the adaptive reuse process. We were particularly drawn to the idea of incorporating vintage décor elements that spoke to the story of the cotton mill - featuring antique sewing machines, bobbins, repurposed industrial gears, and vintage rugs. To source authentic local artifacts, we devoted several days to exploring Greenville's vintage warehouses. Additionally, we integrated industrial black metal finishes throughout the building, and accentuated the striking high ceilings with vintage-inspired pendant lights to create a harmonious blend of old and new.
Photo Credit: Kevin Ruck
In designing The Lofts at Woodside Mill, our top priority was to create an inviting, community-oriented, and imaginative environment that would truly resonate with and inspire its future residents. Embracing local talent, we worked closely with Greenville’s art galleries, artists, and artisans to incorporate locally produced artwork and bespoke furniture pieces into the space. Given the rise in remote work during the development of this project, we were also determined to create an exceptional live-work atmosphere. Careful consideration went into crafting welcoming gathering areas and efficient workspaces, complete with accessible outlets, cozy seating, and designated areas for both focused work and socializing with others.
Interior design plays a crucial role in shaping environments that foster genuine human connections. While crafting a space, we not only prioritize visual aesthetics and seamless flow, but also dedicate considerable thought to the space's functionality and its potential to facilitate productive and positive experiences. In the case of Woodside Mill, we designed a lively and interactive Clubhouse, featuring games such as pool and shuffleboard, a TV for group entertainment, and a versatile kitchen for community gatherings and special events. We extended this approach to the Pool Pavilion, maximizing our outdoor community area by adding an exterior kitchen, grilling stations, and diverse seating options for poolside relaxation, BBQs, and alfresco dinner parties. Our ultimate goal was to ensure that residents find the community to be a warm, engaging, and vibrant place to call home.
Photo Credit: Kevin Ruck
The Lofts at Woodside Mill is more than just a renovation; it's a revitalization of a piece of history that will continue to serve the Greenville community. With its resort-style pool, entertainment areas, and future plans for a Brew Pub and Retail spaces, the mill has been reborn as a vibrant living experience. As Woodside Mill approaches its second century, it does so with renewed vigor and purpose, offering a modern lifestyle rooted in a century-old legacy.
