Description of Project
Located along the railroad that runs through the center of Mebane, the R.L. Stowe Mill can be clearly seen from the downtown. Built in the first quarter of the 20 th century as a facility for Dixie Yarns, who operated the mill for many years, the property was ultimately purchased by R.L. Stowe Mills. The city of Mebane purchased the property with the idea of tearing down the structure or making it into the City Hall. The public library, currently housed in the municipal building, also needed room to expand. After considering several options for the mill property, it was determined that the size of the mill building would provide the right amount of space for a new library. Based on the renovation success of the 1930's post office for use as a new police station, the city decided to renovate the building for its new library.
Description of Surrounding area |
Problems and Resolutions |
The mill is located on the railroad across from the central business district in Mebane (population 7,701). Behind the mill is an early residential neighborhood. The Kingsdown Mattress Company and other mill buildings are located on the same street as the new library.
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Building code issues-
Original first floor was sleepers embedded in cinders, consequently the floor would not carry the required load. Three thousand square feet of flooring was removed for reuse and then the first and second floors were structurally reinforced by replacing wood columns with wrapped steel columns.
An interior stairway was added to meet egress requirements. Opening the tower to a two story height provided a challenge to the fire code.
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Architects/Builders/Owner |
Cost |
Architect
Alley, Williams, Carmen & King, Inc
Jeff Johnson, AIA
Builder
H.M. Kern
Owner
City of Mebane
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Total renovation cost - $1.2 million includes design, build and environmental
Environmental costs were limited to lead paint and asbestos abatement
Cost estimates for new construction for
same use - according to RS Means renovation cost nearly equal new construction cost, however architect feels that $3-4 per square foot were saved when including cost of demolition that would have been necessary for new construction.
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Renovation Success |
Source of Funding |
Formally empty mill building now houses public library and meeting space.
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City of Mebane including private sector loans and
3 cent per $100 tax increase
Tax credits were not used
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Use |
Community Benefits |
Mebane City Library
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The new library serves as a community gathering place and source of pride for the community, the Mebane community has made a conscious effort to support and enhance the downtown area Locating their new library in a historic building maintains the look and feel of the town's central area while providing a public amenity that can easily be reached by walking from the downtown and nearby residential areas with the recently completed library. The idea of locating a public service in a historic building is not new for Mebane. The Mebane police station was relocated into the renovated post office in 2004.
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Description of Property
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15,214 square foot masonry structure
Date of Construction - First quarter of 20th century
Date of renovation - 2004-2005
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Description of Outcome |
Status - Projected completion Fall 2005
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Pictures
(click to see larger images)
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