Danville Transforms Historic White Mill Into Complex
The 1920s textile mill now serves as a mixed-use residential and commercial hub along the Dan River.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Commercial
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Following a $110 million redevelopment, the historic White Mill has been transformed into a 650,000-square-foot complex. The first phase of the project was completed in November 2024, revitalizing the site along the Dan River.
Why it matters
The project serves to preserve the industrial heritage of Danville while repurposing a long-vacant facility for modern economic use. By combining residential and office spaces, the development aims to drive activity back into an underused historic landmark.
The 18-acre site includes 147,000 square feet of office space and 190 planned apartments. As of October 2025, over 275 residents have moved into the completed units.
The players
The Alexander Company
This real estate development firm specializes in historic preservation and the adaptive reuse of existing properties.
Office of Economic Development and Tourism
This City of Danville department relocated its primary operations to the newly renovated White Mill site in 2026.
The details
The developer, The Alexander Company, utilized state and federal historic tax credits to finance the renovation of the structure, which originally opened in 1920. The design retains the building's original reinforced-concrete framework and historic architectural character.
Timeline
The White Mill was built in 1920.
The textile mill ceased operations in 1996.
City officials announced the redevelopment partnership in May 2021.
The project's first phase reached completion in November 2024.
The full redevelopment project is scheduled for completion in 2026.
Culture Shift
This development reflects a national trend of repurposing massive 20th-century industrial facilities into modern, mixed-use community hubs. It mirrors the broader movement to rehabilitate neglected downtown properties using the Federal Historic Tax Credit program.
Residents can now utilize the new office and residential amenities located at the waterfront site. The relocation of the Office of Economic Development and Tourism also centralizes city services within this historic landmark.
The takeaway
The successful reuse of the White Mill demonstrates how historic tax incentives can turn abandoned industrial sites into vibrant community assets. Residents and businesses should monitor the final 2026 phase for potential expansion of amenities.
What happens next
The full redevelopment project for the remaining portions of the site is scheduled to be completed in 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local business growth in Danville Commercial.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Times of India.
Live Poll
Should local governments prioritize converting historic industrial buildings into residential and commercial spaces?
