The Historic Fayette Street Lofts present a fresh opportunity for uptown living in Martinsville with the introduction of twenty-five historic rental apartments, twenty of which feature unique split-level layouts. This development marks the third local property under the "Historic Collective" initiative, aiming to alleviate the area's housing shortage for the local workforce.
Located at the corner of Fayette Street and Moss Street, this building, originally constructed in 1954 and previously housing a Winn-Dixie grocery store and furniture store, had remained dormant since 2014. JRS Realty Partners proposed its transformation into a mixed-use space, encompassing 25 residential units alongside 2 retail storefronts and 9 innovative workspace units branded as "Make • Your • Space Studios," slated to open this August.
John Garland, Partner of JRS Realty Partners, emphasized their commitment to revitalizing historically significant buildings into affordable, appealing living environments. The apartments boast modern amenities such as stainless steel appliances, in-unit washers and dryers, high-efficiency heating and air-conditioning units, ceiling fans, keyless entry systems, and quartz kitchen countertops, distinguishing them within the Martinsville market.
The design of the lofts prioritizes efficiency and spaciousness, with bathrooms, kitchens, and living areas on the lower level complemented by open sleeping lofts above. Half of these apartments, named Sky-LightLofts, feature soaring skylights, enhancing natural light and ambiance.
This project aligns with Uptown Martinsville's vision for growth, injecting vitality into the community and supporting local businesses. Mark Heath, CEO of the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corp. (EDC), anticipates a positive economic impact with increased residential presence in Uptown, fostering growth for local establishments.
Conveniently situated near popular Uptown venues like restaurants, bars, and fitness centers, the lofts offer residents easy access to community amenities, including Prillaman's Market across the street, the Farmer's Market nearby, and The Ground Floor within a short walk. A public park and adjacent parking further enhance the area's appeal.
In addition to residential spaces, the lower level of the building will house "Make • Your • Space Studios," tailored for small businesses, nonprofits, and local artists seeking flexible, affordable workspace solutions. This initiative aims to support entrepreneurial endeavors and creative ventures integral to Martinsville's community fabric.
The Historic Collective's portfolio includes other successful revitalization projects like the School Drive Apartments in Collinsville and the Fieldale School Apartments, with future developments planned for different corners of Uptown. The ongoing transformation of the former BB&T building into "One Ellsworth," featuring residential units and commercial spaces, underscores the organization's commitment to holistic community redevelopment.
For inquiries about loft rentals or retail opportunities, interested parties are encouraged to contact Historic Collective's Property Manager, Hunter Clark, via email at hclark@cherneydevelopment.com or by phone at (276) 732-3126.
This initiative not only preserves Martinsville's architectural heritage but also propels its evolution into a vibrant, inclusive community hub, setting a benchmark for sustainable urban development and fostering a thriving local economy.