Developer seeks to flip old Fort Ave. mills for lofts, commercial space

Lynchburg developer Tony West is pursuing plans to bring lofts, retail space and offices to the site of a long-defunct hosiery mill that in its heyday was one of the city’s largest employers.

West says he is pursuing national historic register status for the circa-1928 industrial buildings at 2734 Fort Ave. near Spring Hill Cemetery. He estimates that process will take between six months to a year to complete. In the interim, he plans to clean up the fading property and lay the groundwork for his plans.

West, who previously renovated the Robin Alexander building downtown and recently purchased an old tobacco warehouse on Washington Street, has already applied to the city for a rezoning and permit that will allow him to move forward with a mixed-use development.

The property on Fort Avenue, which covers about 3.5 acres, used to be home to Lynchburg Hosiery Mills, a company that operated between 1899 and 1973.

According to The News & Advance archives, the mill was once a leading producer of men’s socks and women’s nylons and employed more than 900 people at its peak.

During World War II, the factory shifted over to war production, making socks for soldiers, beige hosiery for the Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps and even manufacturing parachutes.

A 1943 newspaper article noted the company won “high praise” from the military for its superior product, quoting a telegram sent by a rear admiral that read in part: “Our boys can’t get enough of these fine socks. Don’t keep them waiting.”

The company fell on harder times later and closed in 1973, shortly after being sold to a Chicago businessman who became mired in legal troubles and allegations of fraud. In 1980, arson destroyed a significant portion of the complex’s shuttered buildings, which at that point were being rented out for storage.

Two large buildings still stand on the property. Both are part of the planned redevelopment.

In a presentation to the Lynchburg Planning Commission last Wednesday, West said he wanted to put a series of two-bedroom loft apartments into the buildings. He said he expected there would be around 40 to 50 units in all with rents ranging from $700 to $750.

West also plans to seek commercial tenants, such as offices, restaurants, small shops and other neighborhood-orientated businesses. He said he did not have detailed expectations regarding that side of the project yet, but would not accept any “dirty” businesses.

As part of his application to the city, he proffered there would be no car lots, mechanic shops or nightclubs in the development. The application indicates the finished product will be about 75 percent residential, 10 percent retail, 10 percent office space and 5 percent recreational facilities.

Penny Gibson, who lives next door to the property, said the buildings there have grown rundown and “ramshackle” over the years and she was glad to see someone taking an interest in them.

“It’s an eyesore now,” Gibson said during a public hearing. “I’m glad he (West) is willing to take on such a large property. This is going to improve the area and improve our property values. It’s a win-win as far as I’m concerned.”

The planning commission agreed, voting 6-0 to recommend approval of the rezoning and permit request. The commissioners uniformly commended West for his commitment to revitalizing the site.

“I think you’ve got not only a good vision, but also a good, practical business sense,” Vice Chairman Andy Sale said. “I think this is going to work.”

West, who hopes to use historic tax credits to help finance the project, said he plans to wait for the historic registration to come through before moving ahead with any building renovations. The planning commission’s vote of support for the project will be forwarded onto City Council, which is scheduled to consider this matter next month.