The redevelopment of the former American of Martinsville Plant No.

The redevelopment of the former American of Martinsville Plant No. 10 is nearing construction, with stabilization work largely complete and a developer ready to buy the 51 Lester St. property, the Martinsville Economic Development Authority's executive director told City Council.

The 100,000-square-foot building has been vacant since 2010. The EDA has partnered with Atlas Community Studios on plans to convert the site into a residential and commercial project expected to include 70 to 72 apartments, with monthly rent expected to range from $900 to $1,200. The project is being supported by $2 million in grants from the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, the Harvest Foundation and Virginia Housing.

EDA Executive Director Eric Payne said residents consistently ask for more restaurants and more things to do in the evenings and afternoons, and the goal is to provide both commercial amenities and housing. The team hopes to have the building fully operational within about a year and a half, and in the long term the EDA wants to bring 500 housing units to uptown Martinsville.

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Source note: Star News TV · Nov 3, 2026 10:21 PM.