Where the material of the US flag on the moon was woven.
The Old Glory Mill renovation is a catalytic opportunity to Revitalize Rhodhiss with a town center that includes housing, jobs, safe transportation, outdoor recreation and tourism while preserving the rich heritage of the town.
Building Specs at 100 Burke Street
- 151,000 square foot building
- 14.42 acres on Catawba River/Lake Hickory
- 800 foot water front
- Historic Study List Application Approved – Can move to Historic Register Application
- Great condition, in use with sprinkler system
- Original hardwood floors, tall ceilings
Goals
- Be the Downtown for Rhodhiss (a town center)
- Market rate rentals – exploring some mixed-income development
- Restaurant/Food Hall/Coffee Shop – at least 2 options
- Burke River Trail (40 mile regional cross county) along water for recreation and safe transportation – See all Renderings
- Rhodhiss Town Hall, Community Board Room, Co-working space
- History along Halls
- Open Lawn for Festivals
- Public Parking
- Rooftop Event Space
- 2-3 small retail spaces
- Outfitter Business for Kayak/bike rentals and sales
- Enhanced recreation amenities with kayak launch, picnicking areas, viewing platforms, hammock garden
Results
- 80 New Housing Units
- 6 New Businesses
- 54 New Jobs
- Increased Tax Revenue for Rhodhiss
- Quality of Life, Catalyst for Growth
- Desired destination in the region for events for nonprofits, businesses or family celebrations – with the board room, roof top, office space and co-warehousing.
- Walking or pedaling distance via Safe Transportation with the Regional Trail to get to work, school (elementary and college), essential needs and fun places!
Location
- On south side of River – Burke County
- 4.5 miles to Hickory Regional Airport
- 6.2 miles to App State Hickory Campus
- 8.1 miles to Lenoir-Rhyne University
Area Opportunities
- 60 acres purchased by Rhodhiss on north side of river for 120 homes
- Proposed eastern Burke County Recreational site with motor boat launch, camping, trails, picnicking, educational center
- Existing popular Rhodhiss restaurant eager for more competition
- Housing Shortage in Burke County – 2024 study estimates the county has a five-year rental housing gap of almost 1,500 units and a for-sale housing gap of 3,323 units.
- 5 miles to Catawba Valley CC building a workforce training center at the Hickory Regional Airport, including high-tech equipment, classrooms, and virtual simulators. 12 miles to WPCC Emergency Services Regional Fire & Rescue Training Center & Classrooms with fire, flood, swift water and wilderness rescue training along the Catawba River
Town Facts
- 1000 residents
- 56% employment rate
- 12.5% poverty rate
- Town Services: Fire, Police, Public Works, Water and Sewer
- Parks – picnic shelters, fishing, kayak launch, playground, walking track
Community Impact
When you drive through Rhodhiss, it looks like nothing is there and thus no reason to stop. Unless you ran into one of the residents, nothingness would stick in your mind. Thankfully, Rhodhiss has heart and grit in its residents and it has an opportunity with the mill renovation and regional trail to become something, something incredible. This town is ready and willing to reinvent itself with this community-centered project that will be a hub for residents, neighbors, and visitors to gather, work, and play. If this opportunity does not come to fruition, well, it just needs to happen.
We estimate the building will house six new businesses with 54 employees. The businesses will be a restaurant and informal eatery (or maybe a food hall), apartment leasing office, UPS/Fedex/Office Store for the town and those working out of their apartments, an outfitter and another retail store. Town of Rhodhiss offices would move to the site, but that is not new jobs. Of Rhodhiss residents, 69.5% have a high school education or higher and 4.9% a bachelor’s or better. The jobs being offered with this project suit the residents.
80 market rate apartments will be built providing much needed housing for the town and the county. From a 2024 Burke County Housing Study, it is estimated the county has a five-year rental housing gap of almost 1,500 units and a for-sale housing gap of 3,323 units. Working with the developer we would like to explore mixed-income development for better community acceptance and better community mirroring.
Desired destination in the region for events for nonprofits, businesses or family celebrations – with the board room, roof top, office space and co-warehousing.
Walking or pedaling distance via Safe Transportation with the Regional Trail to get to work, school (elementary and college), essential needs and fun places!
Catalyst for more -Rhodhiss purchased 60 acres across the river in Caldwell County for 120 homes
The difference made with this project? Just renovating the building from an eyesore to a a show piece is a win for community pride. Incorporating a regional trail with other outdoor recreation amenities is a win for community health and quality of life. Bringing jobs is a win for community dignity, Finally, preserving history is a win for future generations. This project is truly a win on multiple levels.
