The Keith Corp. is collaborating with Springs Creative, Springsteen Properties Inc., and Capitol Broadcasting Co. Inc. on an ambitious Rock Hill project known as The Thread. This two-phase adaptive-reuse endeavor involves a significant investment of over $100 million. The plan entails the transformation of a three-story, 400,000-square-foot building into a mixed-use space featuring Class A offices, retail areas, and loft apartments. Progress has been underway for several months, and the first phase is expected to be completed no later than January, as announced during a recent ceremony.
After years of meticulous planning and some revisions to site plans, construction at The Thread commenced in mid-January under The Keith Corp.'s guidance. Initial efforts focused on demolition in specific sections of the building, but the last six to eight weeks have been dedicated to full-scale construction of the new development. The revival of this former textile mill is a significant achievement for Rock Hill's city leaders who sought to preserve its historical significance within The Thread, an area adjacent to the University Center development.
The first phase of The Thread will encompass approximately 170,000 square feet of office space, along with around 30,000 square feet of retail space on the ground floor. Springs Creative will be the anchor tenant for the office segment, occupying about 30,000 square feet on the first floor, with the second and third floors each providing around 70,000 square feet of office space.
Additionally, The Keith Corp. has secured a tenant for nearly 17,000 square feet of the retail space—a restaurant/entertainment concept from Mayfair Hospitality Group that will be similar to their venue called Roar in Winston-Salem.
The estimated investment for the first phase of The Thread amounts to nearly $55 million. Although delivery was initially scheduled for January 2024, the development team is aiming to complete it by December. Tenant improvements are projected to be ready by September or October.
Looking ahead, TKC is currently in the final design stages for the project's second phase, which will feature approximately 155 loft apartments and ground-floor retail space. The inclusion of the residential component is a new addition to the original plan, which initially only covered office and retail spaces.
The vision for The Thread aligns with Knowledge Park's goal of serving as a pedestrian-friendly corridor in Rock Hill's central area. The project aims to breathe life into the once-thriving and irreplaceable textile mill, creating an experiential, mixed-use real estate project that tenants and residents can take pride in calling home.
Key players in this ambitious undertaking include Choate Construction as the general contractor, Little as the architect, First Horizon Bank as the financing partner, and Moore & Van Allen as the legal partner. Thrift Commercial Real Estate Services is overseeing the retail leasing efforts, while Coleman is leading the office leasing initiatives for The Thread.
Despite challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, plans for The Thread have been in development for quite some time. Springs Creative, which had owned the building for years, joined forces with The Keith Corp. to establish a vision for the revival of the area, contributing to the growth and success of Rock Hill's Knowledge Park effort.