Historic mill in Marion purchased with plans for affordable housing

MARION, N.C. (WLOS) — A nonprofit organization has purchased a historic mill in McDowell County with the intention of turning it into affordable housing.

A press release from Givens Communities says the Asheville non-profit purchased the Clinchfield Mill, located at 56 Branch Street in Marion, North Carolina on Dec. 21, 2022 after receiving a $3 million grant from the Dogwood Health Trust.

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In late December, Givens was actively applying to have the site added to the National Register of Historic Places, with "plans to preserve the historic integrity of the site."

Givens Communities plans to apply for various federal and state funding in 2023 to create affordable housing at the Clinchfield Mill site. Construction is not anticipated for at least a year, "except where necessary to preserve structures."

"Givens leadership has been meeting with local officials and service providers for the past year to gain insight on how the mill, land and other structures could best serve the surrounding community," the release said. "Local stakeholders have provided valuable input and support for this project, according to Givens officials. The Marion City Council authorized the property's rezoning from M-1 industrial to R-3 mixed-use residential in July."

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Givens Communities is comprised of four distinct senior living communities, outreach ministries, and partnerships that support older adults and their families.

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