Infiltration

solstice location: Charlotte, NC Gender: Female Just assume I have no idea what's going on. \|	Loray/Firestone Mill redevelopment, Gastonia, NC < on 10/12/2006 5:12 PM >

	I don't know how relevant this is to anything, but I just learned some interesting and somewhat bittersweet news about the currently-abandoned Loray/Firestone Mill in Gastonia, NC. It seemed like something that people here might be interested in... But by now you're probably thinking, "What the hell is she talking about?" Ok, here's the rundown: Several months ago, while driving through downtown Gastonia, NC (a very ghetto/slum like area full of tattoo parlors, pawn shops, and bail bonds places), my boyfriend and I came upon a huge, glorious factory-type building jutting up six stories right in the middle of this busy downtown area. Now, maybe it's just my affinity with old textile mills, but I was completely fascinated: I wanted to get in there. Here's a picture, not mine because I am camera-less, but the best I could find of the mill today, which does not do justice to the size of this place: And two old postcards featuring the mill, though they spelled the name wrong: http://www.rootswe...~ncbrgs/lorray.htm">http://www.rootswe...~ncbrgs/lorray.htm And here's some quick facts about Loray: - at approx. 582,00 square feet, it was the largest mill under one roof when it was built in 1902 - site of the infamous Loray Mill Strike of 1929, involving the Communist National Textile Workers' Union - a major employer until 1988 (when it closed? Unclear.) We've been trying to figure out how to explore the place since we discovered it, and the planning wasn't going well due to the rough location (also near the city's main police department and courthouse) and the fact that Firestone still very actively uses a warehouse behind this main building. But recently our plans were pretty much squashed, when I found this: http:/ /www.cityofgastonia.com/econ_dev/site_buildings/firestone_financial.pdf(PDF file). Apparently they're going to renovate the mill starting next year, making it into apartments, retail space, a charter school, and condominiums. So, in a way this renovation sucks, because now we'll probably never get to explore Loray. It's definitely nice that they're going to restore this gorgeous 104-year-old building into something useful rather than just demolishing it, but part of me wishes they'd just renovate it to its former glory, as a historic site, if they're going to do anything with it. Also, it seems somewhat absurd to turn this mill into chic, probably high-rent apartments considering that it's right smack in the middle of the ghetto, basically. I mean, I don't know if anyone reading this has been to this part of Gastonia, but it's impossible to drive through without being solicited to buy drugs, seeing a shootout, and/or nearly hitting a drunk guy stumbling across the street. Sorry if this is on no interest to anyone, just thought you might like to hear what's happening with this old textile mill, the first I've heard of facing any fate besides decay and eventual demolition. _{Edit: Removed direct link to government website. - Em} [last edit 11/12/2006 10:51 PM by Emma Peel - edited 1 times] I <3 archaic industry.

Firedude location: Northern VA (just outside Washington, DC) Gender: Male \|	Re: Loray/Firestone Mill redevelopment, Gastonia, NC <Reply # 1 on 10/12/2006 8:46 PM >

	If anything, this would motivate me to get into the site and explore before they destroy it as its converted to apartments, condos and restaurants. Go now! RIP...

andrea

location:
Baltimore MD
Gender: Female

Apparently, I am heinous.

Re: Loray/Firestone Mill redevelopment, Gastonia, NC
<Reply # 2 on 10/16/2006 3:07 AM >

Posted by solstice
It's definitely nice that they're going to restore this gorgeous 104-year-old building into something useful rather than just demolishing it, but part of me wishes they'd just renovate it to its former glory, as a historic site, if they're going to do anything with it. Also, it seems somewhat absurd to turn this mill into chic, probably high-rent apartments considering that it's right smack in the middle of the ghetto, basically. I mean, I don't know if anyone reading this has been to this part of Gastonia, but it's impossible to drive through without being solicited to buy drugs, seeing a shootout, and/or nearly hitting a drunk guy stumbling across the street.

Not every building can be a museum. And rehab projects like this one bring money to a community and start the revitalization process. Some one has to get the ball rolling.

This isn't boot camp and you are not a ninja. But you sure look like an idiot in that outfit.

solstice

location:
Charlotte, NC
Gender: Female

Just assume I have no idea what's going on.

Re: Loray/Firestone Mill redevelopment, Gastonia, NC
<Reply # 3 on 10/16/2006 4:58 AM >

Posted by andrea
Not every building can be a museum. And rehab projects like this one bring money to a community and start the revitalization process. Some one has to get the ball rolling.

Yeah, like I said, it's definitely better than bulldozing it to put in another strip mall. And at least they're keeping the exterior mostly the same.

I <3 archaic industry.

patrickemmons location: Seattle, WA Gender: Male yeah \| \| \|	Re: Loray/Firestone Mill redevelopment, Gastonia, NC <Reply # 4 on 10/18/2006 2:33 AM >

	How much have you scouted? Are there fences, alarms, security, any openings at all? I'm willing to check it out if you can confirm at least a little hope of getting in before I drive 1.5 hours to get there. band: nativetrash.bandcamp.com \| screen printing / record label: acityinside.storenvy.com

solstice

location:
Charlotte, NC
Gender: Female

Just assume I have no idea what's going on.

Re: Loray/Firestone Mill redevelopment, Gastonia, NC
<Reply # 5 on 10/18/2006 5:10 AM >

Posted by patrickemmons
How much have you scouted?

Are there fences, alarms, security, any openings at all?

I'm willing to check it out if you can confirm at least a little hope of getting in before I drive 1.5 hours to get there.

I wouldn't make the drive just yet--I haven't done anything beyond "drive past at 30 mph" scouting yet. There is a fence, chain link, I'm pretty sure it has barbed/razor wire all around, but I did see a spot or two where it's fallen into disrepair and you could probably slip underneath easily. I have a very strong feeling that there's an alarm, since a big warehouse behind the mill is active and if it were possible to easily come and go from the main building, it would be a huge crack house/hobo settlement. Also there's a police station about half a mile up the road. Obviously, I need to do some more scouting, but I won't be in that area until the weekend of Oct 27th--I'll try to check it out and get back to you after then.

So basically, yes, you could probably get inside the fence at least, there may or may not be an alarm and/or security, and I bet you'd be spotted/caught easily considering its location.

I <3 archaic industry.

vintgae_chick location: Gastonia NC Gender: Female \|	Re: Loray/Firestone Mill redevelopment, Gastonia, NC <Reply # 6 on 11/12/2006 9:33 PM >

	I just moved to Gastonia and bought a house somewhat near this killer cool building and drive by it everyday.I really would'nt say its that bad with drugs and all that but it's also not an area where i could even see high end ladies sporting their Louis Vuitton purses either.I've been a abandon house seeking junkie since i was a kid and have gone into some great places and i would be very up for checking this building out for sure or if anyone does get in knowing what it's like inside.We live close to Spencer Mountain where the famous haunted Mill built house and and i die to go in that one also.I bought a house that was abandon and set to be knocked down,it was a party place for teenagers as there was a suicide here and it was a big deal but the house is so amazing and i'm restoring it.I'm very into historical places and things.If anyone lives in or near Gastonia i'm gain for meeting new people.

solstice

location:
Charlotte, NC
Gender: Female

Just assume I have no idea what's going on.

Re: Loray/Firestone Mill redevelopment, Gastonia, NC
<Reply # 7 on 11/13/2006 3:11 PM >

Posted by vintgae_chick
I really would'nt say its that bad with drugs and all that

Have you ever been there at night? Because I've been solicited to buy drugs several times, seen several drug deals, and seen a few attempted shootings.

We live close to Spencer Mountain where the famous haunted Mill built house and and i die to go in that one also.

I believe they're going to be tearing that down soon, sadly--I don't think they did the haunted house this year because of complications with the mayor living next door and being a jerk about the noise. I hear he's quite an ass, and keeps a close eye on the house to deter trespassers, so that one would be difficult. I've been in it for the haunted house, but I'd love to see what it actually looks like inside.

If anyone lives in or near Gastonia i'm gain for meeting new people.

I'm in Lincolnton.

I <3 archaic industry.

vintgae_chick location: Gastonia NC Gender: Female \|	Re: Loray/Firestone Mill redevelopment, Gastonia, NC <Reply # 8 on 11/14/2006 3:52 AM >

	I have been down there past dark but havent seen any of that but like i said i just moved here and i suppose in time i will then (Oh Joy) thats too bad that that place has to be in an area like that.I moved from near Detroit and te buildings there were among the most killer but also slum areas.Figures about Spencer Mountain doing the haunted house last year I did ask my real estate agent to see if it was for sale but that was when i didnt think i was going to get the house i bought so i never found out about it. I was just in Lincolnton last month for an auction where i bought a 1959 Edsel villager wagon,i like Lincolnton alot is there any neat place there to scope out.

solstice

location:
Charlotte, NC
Gender: Female

Just assume I have no idea what's going on.

Re: Loray/Firestone Mill redevelopment, Gastonia, NC
<Reply # 9 on 11/14/2006 10:05 PM >

Posted by vintgae_chick
i like Lincolnton alot is there any neat place there to scope out.

There are several places around Lincoln and Gaston counties--old industrial sites and houses, especially. I haven't had a chance to check many of them out beyond spotting them while driving, but I'll be moving back soon and hopefully can do some exploring.

I <3 archaic industry.

PreservationNC \|	Re: Loray/Firestone Mill redevelopment, Gastonia, NC <Reply # 10 on 11/22/2006 7:24 PM >

	As the owner of Loray Mill, we would be happy to make arrangements for interested people to see it. Please do not trespass; there are areas of the building which are unsafe. If you are interested in viewing the mill, please contact Ted Alexander at 704-482-3531. If you have questions, please contact me at info@presnc.org Sincerely, J. Myrick Howard President, Preservation North Carolina

andrea

location:
Baltimore MD
Gender: Female

Apparently, I am heinous.

Re: Loray/Firestone Mill redevelopment, Gastonia, NC
<Reply # 11 on 11/26/2006 10:38 PM >

Posted by PreservationNC
As the owner of Loray Mill, we would be happy to make arrangements for interested people to see it. Please do not trespass; there are areas of the building which are unsafe. If you are interested in viewing the mill, please contact Ted Alexander at 704-482-3531. If you have questions, please contact me at info@presnc.org

Sincerely,
J. Myrick Howard
President, Preservation North Carolina

This sounds like a very nice offer. If I was in the area, I would be all over it.

This isn't boot camp and you are not a ninja. But you sure look like an idiot in that outfit.

xclone

location:
Raleigh, NC
Gender: Male

Re: Loray/Firestone Mill redevelopment, Gastonia, NC
<Reply # 12 on 11/30/2006 3:03 PM >

This is something I am definitely interested in. If anyone else from the Raleigh area would like to possibly carpool out, let me know. I don't have a hard date yet.. possibly between xmas & new years or just after new years. Let me know if you are interested.

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