2025 Award of Merit: Bessemer City

Osage Mill

2025 Main Street Award: Design

Best Historic Rehabilitation Project

• WinnDevelopment

• Bessemer City

• Gaston County

• Bank of America

• Rehab Builders

• Gastonia Housing Authority
  

Watch The Award Video

Osage Mill in Bessemer City is a shining example of historic preservation, community revitalization, and economic innovation. This transformative project brought new life to a 260,000-square foot textile mill - originally built in 1896 by the city’s founder, John Smith. For over a century, Osage Mill stood as a symbol of Bessemer City’s rich textile heritage. Today, it stands once again — reimagined, restored, and rebranded as The Lofts at Osage Mill.

Thanks to the vision and collaboration of key partners — including Winn Development, Bank of America, Bessemer City, Gaston County, the Gastonia Housing Authority, and Rehab Builder - this historic structure has been transformed into a vibrant mixed-use development.

The project now features 139 workforce housing units and will soon include 20,000 square feet of commercial and retail space in its second phase. It was completed in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and eligible for both federal and state historic tax credits.

But the impact goes far beyond bricks and mortar.

This $50 million investment has already sparked over $11 million in additional private investment, including a new healthcare facility and salon. The city contributed over $500,000 in public investment, enhancing downtown infrastructure and connectivity. The project created 200 construction jobs, 3 permanent positions, and is generating new business growth downtown and 327 volunteer hours were contributed by the Main Street Board — a testament to the community’s commitment.

The Lofts at Osage Mill now provide housing for young professionals, seniors, and new-age manufacturing workers — breathing new life into downtown and anchoring future growth.

This is more than a redevelopment project. It’s a rebirth—a bold step forward that honors the past while building a vibrant future for Bessemer City.