Investment To Preserve Historic Mill
Seneca, S.C. – M Peters Group, a Greenville based developer specializing in restoring environmentally compromised property, today announced plans to redevelop the Newry Mill in Oconee County. The
$60,000,000 million capital investment is expected to breathe new life into the Newry Historic District.
The Newry Historic District encompasses a textile mill village established at the turn of the century. Situated in a rural setting in the Little River Valley, the town of Newry isvisually isolated by a series of surrounding ridges, dense forest, and a large earthen dam on Lake Keowee, which form the boundaries of the district. The district contains 118 properties including the mill complex, mill office, company store and post office, village church, and numerous worker’s residences, located within an area of approximately 250 acres. Originally established as the Courtenay Mill, it was constructed in a typical New England textile factory design. Most of the buildings in Newry were built during the period 1893- 1910 and are examples of the turn-of-the century genre of mill village design in South Carolina.
M Peters Group, led by Mark Peters, plans to redevelop the mill and general store for residents and surrounding communities to experience a revitalized historic textile village and enjoy immediate access to outdoor activities. The development will include the restoration of the historic former mill building and general store as well as new construction to create 197 apartment units, a grocery store, café, event venue, and expanded United States Post Office. The general store and café will source local and sustainable goods from the surrounding area. The acreage surrounding the mill will be enhanced with nature trails, a pedestrian bridge, wildlife habitat restoration, a public greenspace, and a public kayak input.
Peters states construction will start this summer with the help of Triangle Construction Company, SGA/NW Architecture, Britt Peters and Associates, Oconee County, and Berkadia Commercial Mortgage. The project is utilizing Opportunity Zone legislation and other Federal and State incentives that support this type of redevelopment. The investment will create approximately 600 construction jobs and 60 permanent jobs.
QUOTES
“The project is a significant undertaking with public and private partners working together to pre- serve and enhance a unique piece of Upstate history.” Mark B Peters, Managing Partner, M Peters Group
“It is with great excitement that Preservation SC is available to help the M Peters Group to ensure the mill at Newry is rehabilitated. Our organization has been intimately involved with the mill at Newry for almost 20 years, and we see this development as the last great hope for the building’s long-awaited revitalization. We are proud to be part of the team that will ensure a successful outcome the commu- nity deserves.” Michael Bedenbaugh, President, Preservation South Carolina
“This is an amazing project that will help preserve, restore and repurpose the wonderful history of Newry Mill. I have seen first-hand the wonderful projects that the M Peters Group has completed in South Carolina and am pleased they have chosen Oconee County to invest in.” Julian Davis, Chair- man, Oconee County Council.
FIVE FAST FACTS
- M Peters Group is building 197 new multifamily units in Oconee
- $60,000,000 million investment
- M Peters Group is a leading developer of environmentally compromised properties in the Upstate of South
- Located at 705 Broadway , the mill redevelopment expected to come online in Q2 2022.
- Those interested in learning more about the historic preservation project should email maggie@mpetersgroup.com to receive email
The Oconee Economic Alliance (OEA) is a public-private nonprofit dedicated to bringing jobs and capital investment to Oconee County. Serving as the Economic Development arm of Oconee Coun- ty, the OEA focuses on increasing per capita income, diversifying the local tax base and generating awareness of Oconee County as a business location. Since its founding in 2013, OEA efforts have resulted in the creation of more than 1,800 new jobs and $620 million in capital investment in Oconee County, SC. To learn more please visit www.oconeealliance.org
MEDIA CONTACT:
Annie Caggiano
President
Oconee Economic Alliance